Poster 49 - When Mental Health Is Affected by the Mouth- The Toll of Increased Anxiety Caused by Poor Mouth, Tooth Condition
Monday, April 27, 2026
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM MDT
Location: Screen 19, Exhibit Hall Poster Pavilion
Oral health is no less important than overall physical health- in fact, these facets of health are intertwined. This poster will examine the high prevalence of oral diseases that persist in the U.S. today and the serious mental health concerns - particularly anxiety- stemming from poor oral health in our nation. Nationally, One-third of adults (35%) in the U.S. are embarrassed about the condition of their mouth or teeth, and one in every five experiences anxiety as a result. Mental well-being professionals can support better access to oral health care for everyone who should be physically and mental well.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the sources of data, both national and state-based- that show the major toll that poor oral health takes on mental well-being, including causing anxiety and withdrawal from social situations.
Discuss reasons that access to oral health care may not be available or accessible to those whose mouth and teeth are a source of their anxiety.
Explore ways in which those in the mental well-being field can support oral health literacy and advocate for increased access for preventive care.
