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January is Mental Wellness Month — and very few in dentistry are talking about the connection between mental health and oral health.
In this episode, Kimberly Williamson explores why depression makes brushing feel impossible, how psychiatric medications affect your mouth, the shame spiral that keeps people from seeking care, and what dental offices are getting wrong.
For patients, this episode validates what you may have been experiencing: canceled appointments, skipped brushing, and the fear of being judged for letting things go. There's real science behind why a two-minute task can feel like climbing a mountain — and why the medications helping your mental health might be harming your teeth.
For clinicians, this is a call to change how we approach patient care. We're trained to educate and instruct — but what if the patient in our chair isn't "non-compliant"? What if they're barely surviving?
Kimberly also shares why she believes dental hygienists should be trained as health coaches, and offers gentle, judgment-free guidance for anyone struggling to care for themselves right now.
If getting out of bed is hard — this episode is for you.
You are not lazy. Your struggle is valid. And you deserve compassion.
Resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357
- psychologytoday.com (therapist finder)
Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a registered dental hygienist and health coach, not a mental health professional. This episode is NOT a substitute for professional medical or psychological care. If you're in crisis, please reach out to a licensed provider or call 988.
Music and episodes written and produced by Kimberly Williamson.
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🔗 Connect with me:
Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth
Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com
Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession.
Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves.
Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com.
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Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle.
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