The Overlooked Link Between Mental Health and Dental Health
In Steamboat Springs, the connection between mental health and dental care might not seem immediately obvious, but Dr. Jim McCreight of McCreight Progressive Dentistry is helping to shed light on just how intertwined they can be. As a local dentist with over 26 years of experience in the Yampa Valley, McCreight offers a unique perspective on how oral health can impact not only physical well-being but mental health as well. His deep connection to the Steamboat Springs community has allowed him to become a trusted figure, not just for dental care, but for understanding and empathy around mental health challenges.
McCreight explains, “We try to connect with our clients on levels beyond the teeth, beyond the smile. We always ask how they’re doing, and that doesn’t necessarily mean their teeth, but their overall mental well-being as well.” This approach is especially relevant in Routt County, where the suicide rate remains a concern, and the community is always looking for ways to provide more comprehensive care. As a dentist, McCreight has seen firsthand how depression and anxiety can manifest in neglect of oral health, which in turn can worsen self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
“Inflammation is connected with all parts of the body,” McCreight continues, pointing to the oral systemic link — a connection between oral health and overall health, including mental wellness. Neglected oral care can lead to gum disease, which is not only a physical health concern but also something that affects how people feel about themselves. McCreight highlights how something as simple as dental hygiene routines can make a significant impact: “Getting into a good routine daily as far as home care and oral health is important to overall body health, including mental health.”
Local organizations like Northwest Colorado Health and REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide) are working to provide comprehensive mental health services, and McCreight sees dentists as a key part of that network. He says, “As all dentists in this town, we’re here to serve. We’re big fans of oral irrigators, and we believe that decreasing the inflammatory impact on the body through good dental care can help people mentally as well.” He views his role as more than just a provider of dental care — he strives to be someone patients can talk to, someone who notices when things seem off.
This human connection is crucial in a small, tight-knit community like Steamboat Springs. McCreight reflects on moments in his practice when patients have thanked him simply for taking a moment to ask how they’re doing — a gesture that goes beyond the routine dental check-up. “You can almost feel sometimes when things aren’t right with your patient,” he says. “Often, people open up to us in the dental office, maybe because they sense that we genuinely care.”
This connection has left a lasting impression on McCreight, who has tragically lost patients to suicide over the years. “It saddens me when I do have… patients who we’ve lost. I always go through in my mind, what could I have done? Did I fail to ask the questions?” He recognizes that dental professionals have a unique opportunity to help — not just through treating dental issues but by fostering relationships that encourage openness and dialogue around mental health.
In Routt County, where isolation and mental health challenges are prevalent, it’s heartening to know that professionals across the healthcare industry are looking out for their patients on all levels. Through the collaborative efforts of doctors, dental health professionals, mental health providers, and organizations like REPS, Steamboat Springs is building a more supportive and connected approach to wellness, with the goal of reducing suicide and improving the overall quality of life in the Yampa Valley.