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July 9, 2021
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in 2020, patients with mental health disorders were more likely to have more dental problems than the general population. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, as subsequent COVID-19 restrictions resulted in job losses, increased stress, and isolation. In addition, dental clinic closures limited patients’ access to care.
To further examine the relationship between oral health and mental health, the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health conducted a nationally representative study in January and February 2021 that asked more than 5,300 adults ages 18 and older to self-rate their mental health and oral health status, and oral health care utilization. The report, “State of Oral Health Equity in America 2021,” found almost one out of five respondents rated their current mental health status as fair (14%) or poor (4%), suggesting poor mental health status may be linked to delayed oral health care.