Credits: Social Media
Dentists can instantly tell if you are stressed just by looking in your mouth
We visit the dentist to check for issues with our teeth, but did you know they can tell so much more about you by looking in your mouth?
From whether you smoke to if you are under a lot of stress, a dentist has shared five things they know instantly from a quick glance.
Dentists can instantly tell if you are stressed
Speaking on TikTok, Dr Shaadi Manouchehri explained that there are “so many signs” of stress in the mouth. If you have ulcers, your teeth are worn down or the shape of your tongue changes, they can all signify that you are stressed.
Clenching and grinding your teeth, while awake or asleep, is common with stress and causes many oral changes. The edges of your tongue can become scalloped, with a series of small curves, and the insides of your cheeks can develop lines.
It can also cause chipped or damaged teeth and jaw issues. Plus, stress lowers the body’s immune system, which can make you more prone to certain conditions like cold sores, gum infections and canker sores.
When under a lot of stress, people often forget to take care of their dental hygiene too, skipping brushing and flossing, which is very obvious to a dentist. You may also pick up unhealthy eating habits and snack on sugary foods which cause decay.
More things dentists know by looking in your mouth
Dentists can also pick up on hormonal changes, knowing when someone is pregnant or about to start their period as the gums are a lot more sensitive to plaque and gum disease due to the change in hormones.
Another one that probably doesn’t come as a surprise is smoking. There’s no point lying to your dentist about whether you smoke because they can tell straight away. Teeth staining, gum disease, bad breath and a coating on the tongue are all signs that someone smokes.
They can usually tell if you use a manual or electric toothbrush too, because those who use manual ones are much more likely to brush “aggressively” which leads to irreversible recession of the gums and sensitivity.
Finally, dentists know if you have any nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron or Vitamin B12. It usually shows in the gums, with symptoms such as a change in gum color, receding gums or signs of gum disease.
Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri is a dental surgeon and facial aesthetics practitioner in London who graduated from Barts and the London School of Medicine.
