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How mental health affects oral health

BDJ Student volume 28, pages 21–23 (2021)Cite this article

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By Joanna Hudson

It is estimated that 792 million people in the world live with a mental illness.1Unfortunately it is likely, due to the coronavirus pandemic, that not only may this figure have increased, but that those who were previously included in this statistic may now be facing extra challenges. Dentists are in a unique position, as we are continuing to see patients regularly and so it is vital that as healthcare professionals we 'check in' at the beginning of appointments, especially when in lockdowns some individuals may have limited access to any other form of social interaction. It is also important that we are aware of some of the common oral and dental-related manifestations that may arise in those who are struggling and how these can be managed.

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  1. Portishead Dental Practice, Bristol, UK

    Joanna Hudson

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  1. Joanna Hudson
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Correspondence to Joanna Hudson.

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Hudson, J. How mental health affects oral health. BDJ Student 28, 21–23 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41406-021-0225-3

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