Did you know a person’s oral health can provide insight into their mental health? A psychologist explains.
Brushing and flossing your teeth may seem like a mundane task, but did you know there’s actually a link between your oral health and mental health?
“Mental health impacts your overall health, including your oral health or the health of your teeth and your gums. Dentists are sometimes the first professional to identify and diagnose a mental health issue and they make a lot of referrals to counselors and therapists,” explained Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Albers said the health of a person’s teeth can give clues about their stress level, anxiety, mood, and the presence of chronic eating problems.
For example, if you struggle with stress of anxiety, you may have worn enamel from grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw.
