(ABC4) – According to experts from Cleveland ClinicYour oral health can reveal more than you think about your mental health.
“Mental health affects your overall health, including your oral health, or the health of your teeth and gums. Dentists are sometimes the first professionals to identify and diagnose a mental health problem and make many referrals to counselors and therapists,” explained Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Albers explained that a person’s oral health can provide information about their level of stress, anxiety, mood, and the presence of an eating disorder.
For example, Dr. Albers noted that struggles with stress or anxiety can present themselves through worn enamel from nightly grinding or clenching of the jaw. Similarly, he said people with eating disorders often experience malnutrition or overeat highly processed foods, both of which can lead to high levels of cavities, enamel wear and gum problems.
People struggling with depression often experience a general lack of motivation that can cause them to fall short in caring for their teeth. Additionally, Dr. Albers said that people with depression have a heightened perception of pain and may avoid going to the dentist altogether.
“If you’re having trouble with your oral hygiene, check in with yourself and ask yourself if there are any mental health issues that might be getting in the way and, if so, it may be important to acknowledge and discuss with your therapist and the two of you. together, and with your dentist, you can make sure it doesn’t get in the way of your mood or your oral health,” he said.
Finally, Dr. Albers explained that adding more nutritious foods to your diet can benefit your oral and mental health.
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