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How Gingivitis and Gut Health Can Impact Mental Health Through the Oral-Gut-Brain Axis

On the forefront of holistic dentistry is the exploration of oral health and gut health. This is the connection between the mouth, the digestive system, and the brain and is called the oral-gut-brain axis.

Your mouth is a major gateway to the rest of your body, and what’s happening there can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. Looking at these systems as a whole rather than separate can help identify the root cause of issues like acid reflux, IBS, anxiety and depression, and even ADHD.

“I was looking for a more holistic approach to dentists and I found Dr. Patel. I appreciate how personalized and detailed the care is. Everyone at the office is amazing and takes the time to let me know what is going on and answer all my questions. I’m happy I found Green Dentistry, and for the first time in my life I actually look forward to my dental visits.” – Lallaine D., February 2025
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DID YOU KNOW

More than 50 systemic health conditions have been linked to gum infections, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), according to a study published in Frontiers in Immunology.

Common Conditions Related to Oral Health and Gut Health

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is an uncomfortable condition where stomach acid rises up into the esophagus, throat, mouth, and sometimes even the sinuses.

This is often worsened by citrus, spicy foods, wearing tight-fitting pants, and laying down flat on your back. Frequent or constant exposure to those harsh acids can cause dental problems like:

  • Erosion of tooth enamel
  • Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures
  • Tender and inflamed gums
  • Gum recession
  • Tooth loss

Treating acid reflux, especially when chronic, should include regular dental visits and cleanings to keep bacteria at a minimum and identify potential problems before they can get worse.

WATCH: How to Naturally Control Acid Reflux (Video)

Gut Dysbiosis

Gut dysbiosis is a condition where the delicate microbiome of the gut has been disrupted and there are more harmful bacteria present than beneficial ones. Over time, this leads to digestive discomfort, lower immunity, and dental health problems. This can be a major contributor to gingivitis and gut health problems. Potential causes of gut dysbiosis include:

  • A diet high in processed foods and refined sugars
  • Medications like antibiotics and those used for acid reflux
  • Viral and bacterial infections in the body
  • Ongoing exposure to stress or environmental toxins
  • Periodontal disease

Often, conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be traced back to an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the gut. Treatment includes making dietary changes, taking probiotics, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common but sometimes debilitating condition that causes stomach discomfort, bloating, pain, constipation, and diarrhea. These symptoms are a hallmark of chronic inflammation, which can affect other areas of the body too. People with IBS often struggle with:

  • Tooth decay and gum disease. Irritable bowels and a reduced appetite can decrease saliva production. In turn, this can increase the risk of cavities and gingivitis.
  • Bruxism and jaw pain. Chronic stress that causes bowel inflammation can also cause bruxism and teeth grinding. This results in excess wear and tear on your teeth, jaw pain, and headaches.
  • Bad breath that won’t go This is called halitosis and may be a sign of advanced periodontal disease exacerbated by IBS.

If you or a family member have IBS, regular dental exams and cleanings should be high on your list of preventative care.

Anxiety and Depression

The relationship between oral health and gut health and mental health conditions like anxiety, and depression is complex and multi-directional. Each one can affect the other in different ways, like:

  • People with anxiety often grind their teeth, leading to premature tooth wear or damage
  • Individuals with depression may struggle to maintain adequate dental hygiene
  • People taking medications for anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition may experience unwanted oral side effects like dry mouth

Good oral care is essential to prevent complications for individuals with mental health challenges and help them to feel better about themselves. Our office environment is dedicated to reducing anxiety commonly felt at the dentist, and patients love our spa-like atmosphere and amenities.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been linked to the improper development of the sinus cavities, usually as a result of lack of breastfeeding as an infant or having braces as a child. Surprisingly, ADHD can contribute to other conditions, specifically those related to oral health, such as:

  • Poor dental hygiene. Individuals with this condition may forget to brush and floss their teeth regularly, which can cause gum disease and bad breath.
  • Sleep apnea. Children who were not breastfed or had braces often have weak tongue muscles and can develop obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when the tongue falls back into the throat while sleeping and causes interruptions in breathing.

Patients with ADHD can benefit most from regular dental care that focuses on developing good hygiene habits and incorporates testing and treatment for sleep apnea.

Read More

ADHD and Sleep Apnea (Podcast)

How ADHD Is Related to Your Mouth (Video)

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Dr. Nammy Patel and her team at Green Dentistry in Downtown San Francisco, California, provide quality dentistry with a holistic approach. They offer their patients exceptional care and service in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign treatment, laser dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, general holistic dentistry and so much more. They even offer sedation dentistry to their patients. They serve patients throughout the Bay Area. SF Green Dentist is within walking distance from Downtown and the Financial District.

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