Easy tips to care for teeth even if you’re struggling
Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Mouth guards
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • HELPFul
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
  • Whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Guards
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • REVIEWS
  • HELPFul
    • HELPFUL LINKS
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> BRUSHING & FLOSSING, NEWS, ORAL MICROBIOME

Easy tips to care for teeth even if you’re struggling

Esmy Ornelas, MS, RDH

Amidst mental health struggles, oral care can feel overwhelming. Here are some simple alternatives to maintain health from a dental hygienist that understands.

“Brush your teeth twice a day and floss”, this is the advice given to every patient to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Sounds simple right? On a good day it is, but on other days, days that are filled with anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles, the idea of brushing and flossing can seem impossible. During these times, there are other, more gentle ways to keep your teeth clean. The most important thing to remember? You’re not alone.

How common is anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression affect about 40 million Americans a year [1]. Even though it’s treatable, only about 36% receive treatment[1], meaning many are battling it alone. These rates significantly spiked during COVID [2]and have had a lasting impact on the mental health of a large portion of the population. Clinical depression has effects other than feeling sad or a loss of energy. It directly impacts one’s decision-making skills and their executive functioning (the ability to take all the steps to get something done) [3]. This can make a seemingly simple task like brushing teeth or flossing seem like too much work. “What kind of toothpaste? Electric or manual toothbrush? Floss or floss pik… never mind. I don’t care anymore.” Many can feel terrible or lazy about not having the motivation to brush their teeth but it is not laziness, it’s the chemical imbalance in their brain[1] working against them, depleting everything they have.

What can I do to keep my teeth clean when I’m struggling?

If you’re someone who struggles with depression or anxiety (the hygienist writing this article does), there are other simple ways to stay on top of your oral care that don’t require too much effort. These things may seem small, but they go a long way in keeping you healthy. Don’t underestimate the power of small efforts! The first is to drink lots of water. This cleanses the teeth and flushes out any bacteria that may be trapped between the teeth. It also helps increase salivary flow which will keep the pH of the oral cavity balanced, preventing cavities. Another is to eat crunchy foods like apples or carrots. The mechanical action of crunching on these foods cleans the chewing surfaces of the teeth (areas especially susceptible to decay) and removes plaque. Lastly, take a multivitamin and an oral probiotic . If you’re only craving sugar, or salty comfort foods when you’re experiencing a bout of depression, taking a multivitamin will ensure your body is still nourished with the vitamins and minerals it needs. An oral probiotic will keep your oral microbiome balanced, which in turn will strengthen your immune system and lessen your susceptibility to cavities and inflammation. Depression and anxiety can make everything seem exhausting, even brushing your teeth. When experiencing a low period, drink some water, take some vitamins, be extra gentle with yourself, and know that you’re doing more than enough. You got this!

Esmy Ornelas

Esmy Ornelas is a registered Dental Hygienist, writer, educator, and consultant with 10 years of experience in dentistry. She is passionate about education, empowering hygienists to advance their careers in and out of the operatory, and about community. She has written for RDH Magazine, the RDH Graduate, and is a full-time professor of Dental Hygiene and Assisting at Rose State College in Oklahoma.

View My Profile Contact Esmy
  1. Facts & Statistics: Anxiety and Depression. Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
  2. James Cartreine, P. D. (2016, May 6). More than sad: Depression affects your ability to think. Harvard Health. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sad-depression-affects-ability-think
  3. What causes depression? Harvard Health. (2022, January 10). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression
  4. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Covid-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. World Health Organization. Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide

RELATED ARTICLES

Can mouthwash actually cause bad breath?

By: Esmy Ornelas

Following her own path & making a difference | Ashley S. Dosanjh, BDSc

By: Esmy Ornelas

How to brush your teeth to avoid damage

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

Why you’re getting cavities even with excellent oral hygiene

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

What is xylitol?

By: Lacy Walker

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

TEETH WHITENING PRODUCTS
  • New! Dental Stain Concealer
  • Teeth Whitening Trays
  • Teeth Whitening Gel
  • Teeth Desensitizing Gel
  • Electric Toothbrush
  • Toothbrush Heads
  • Water Flosser
  • Teeth Grinding Night Guards
  • ProShield™ Sports Mouth guards
  • Plaque Highlighters
  • Dental Floss Picks
  • Plaque Highlighters Kids
  • Dental Probiotics
  • Oral & Sinus Probiotics for Kids
  • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
  • Enamel Armour
  • Ultrasonic Cleaner
SITE NAVIGATION
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Guarantee
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
SITE NAVIGATION
  • 10 Teeth Whitening Facts
  • Sensitive Teeth Guide
  • The Science of Bad Breath
  • 5 Facts About Oral Probiotics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Science & Articles
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
already a customer?
  • Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Mouth guards
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • HELPFul
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING