You might not typically connect ADHD with your oral health, but research is showing that the condition can have a significant impact on your teeth and gums. If you’re wondering why your dentist might mention concerns about gum health, it could be worth considering the role ADHD may play. One of the main conditions to be aware of is periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can cause lasting damage to both your oral health and overall well-being.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that occurs when inflammation and bacteria damage the tissues supporting your teeth. It often starts as gingivitis, a milder gum condition where your gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the gums pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that become infected. As the infection worsens, it destroys the bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Swollen, tender, or receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth or tooth sensitivity
- Pain when chewing
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
Recognizing these signs early and getting treatment is crucial, as advanced periodontitis can have implications beyond oral health, increasing the risk for systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease.
ADHD and Periodontitis: What’s the Connection?
Having ADHD can make it more challenging to stay on top of daily routines, and oral hygiene is no exception. You might forget to brush and floss regularly, or experience difficulty maintaining the structure needed for consistent dental care. These behaviors can lead to a higher buildup of plaque and an increased risk for gum disease, including periodontitis.
In addition, impulsivity and high-stress levels—both common in ADHD—can contribute to habits like nail-biting, teeth grinding, or smoking, all of which increase the likelihood of gum damage and inflammation.
But the connection goes deeper. ADHD is associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation, which may make your gums more susceptible to periodontitis. This means that even if you’re brushing and flossing, the body’s inflammatory response might be heightened, putting you at greater risk for more severe gum issues.
Are ADHD Medications a Risk for Periodontitis?
Interestingly, most ADHD medications do not seem to increase the risk of periodontitis. There is a common concern that stimulants may lead to dry mouth, which can heighten the risk of dental problems, but this doesn’t necessarily translate into a higher rate of periodontitis specifically.
One exception may be atomoxetine, a non-stimulant ADHD medication. Recent studies suggest that atomoxetine might even have a protective effect against periodontitis due to its impact on norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in inflammatory processes. While more research is needed to fully understand this effect, it’s an exciting area of study that could change the way we view ADHD treatment in the context of oral health.
What to Do if You Have Periodontitis
If you suspect that you have periodontitis, it’s essential to seek treatment early. The good news is that there are several effective treatments available:
- Professional Deep Cleaning – Known as scaling and root planing, this procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from deep pockets around the teeth and smoothing the root surfaces. It helps your gums reattach to the teeth and reduces inflammation.
- Antibiotic Therapy – Your dentist might prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to target bacteria in gum pockets. This can be especially useful if the infection is advanced.
- Surgery – In severe cases, flap surgery may be needed to remove tartar from hard-to-reach areas, or bone grafting to replace damaged bone tissue.
- Consistent Oral Hygiene – Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouth rinse can prevent periodontitis from worsening. Setting up daily reminders and creating a structured routine can help manage these habits, especially if ADHD makes consistency difficult.
- Regular Dental Visits – Getting a checkup every six months is critical for catching gum disease early. If you have ADHD, consider setting up automatic reminders or pairing dental visits with another activity you won’t forget, such as a favorite monthly subscription box or a recurring work meeting.
By understanding the potential impacts of ADHD on your oral health and staying vigilant, you can take proactive steps to protect your teeth and gums. Maintaining a structured routine may be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can keep both your smile and overall health in top shape.
References
- https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/news/risk-factors-for-periodontitis/—
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35764847/—
- https://www.dentistrytoday.com/new-report-finds-adults-with-adhd-are-at-greater-risk-for-poor-oral-health/—
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002817723001411—
- https://www.dentaltown.com/blog/post/19868/adhd-and-oral-health-navigating-unique-challenges-and-solutions-for-adults—