Dental hygiene is essential for your teeth and the whole body. Research shows poor tooth and gum health can lead to heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

When depression overwhelms you, brushing your teeth can go on the back burner. Read on for a few ways to maintain oral hygiene during a depressive episode when brushing your teeth is too difficult.

Oral Rinses

Mouthwash and oral rinses can help keep your mouth healthy when you can’t brush them. Different rinses kill germs, fight plaque and keep gums in top shape. Many also help fight bad breath, which can happen when you can’t brush. Fill your mouth with the rinse and swish it for the recommended amount of time on the bottle — around 30 to 60 seconds -– before spitting it into the sink or trash can.

Many brands also carry rinses that specifically focus on different areas of the mouth. If your gums bleed easily, you might want to use one designed to restore your gum health. If you get cavities easily, you can get a rinse that focuses on fighting plaque.

Flossers

You might think it will be harder to floss if you can't brush, but it’s an easy task you can do almost anywhere. With flosser picks, you don’t have to deal with pulling out the right amount of string. It might sound silly at first, but the potential messiness of string floss can be overwhelming like brushing.

Flossers are pre-threaded and portable, making them easy and quick to use. Floss helps keep your gums healthy, which is a crucial part of keeping a healthy mouth. Food and bacteria collect between your teeth where brushing doesn’t reach. The debris can lead to gingivitis — a gum disease that can lead to gum loss and various health issues.

An alternative to flossing is using a water flosser. These devices shoot water into the spaces between your teeth and can be quicker and less involved than regular flossing.

Pre-Pasted Mini Toothbrush

Many pharmacies and grocery stores carry small disposable toothbrushes pre-pasted with toothpaste that dissolves in the mouth and doesn’t need rinsing. These are meant for situations where a sink isn’t available, but you can also use them when your brain stops you from going to one.

Mini toothbrushes come ready for use, helping to clean your teeth when you can’t traditionally brush them. Keep a few at your desk or nightstand to improve your self-care and oral health.

Foods

Did you know certain foods can help keep your mouth healthy? Crunchy, low-sugar foods like raw vegetables benefit your teeth by stimulating your salivary glands. Saliva is integral to digestion and helps protect your mouth from cavities and gum disease.

Firm, crunchy foods also remove some of the plaque that collects on your teeth through your meals. Many crunchy vegetables also contain beta carotene, which is necessary for your body to produce vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for keeping your teeth strong.

Calcium is also a vital nutrient for keeping your teeth strong. Consuming dairy products and other calcium-rich foods can help your teeth during stretches where you don’t brush them. Try not to eat excess amounts of sugar when you aren’t brushing your teeth, as the sugar can accelerate the formation of cavities.

Depression and Oral Health

Depressive episodes can significantly affect your oral health. Mental illness can prevent you from brushing your teeth because you feel there isn’t a point in doing so or you aren’t worth caring for. By doing what you can to keep your mouth healthy during these times, you can focus on revitalizing your mindset and improving your mental health.

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Mia Barnes is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body+Mind. She especially enjoys writing about mental health, physical well-being, mindfulness, and healthy living. When she's not writing, you can find Mia reading romance novels, jogging, and trying new recipes!