September is National Yoga Month, and Dr. Fleschler would like to commemorate this occasion by providing you with some information about how yoga can be beneficial to your oral health. While most of us know that yoga is an effective way to improve balance, flexibility, and core strength, its oral health benefits aren’t talked about nearly as much.
Yoga can help reduce stress, which can potentially be a cause of major dental problems. People who are highly stressed tend to grind their teeth, which can lead to a variety of problems including TMJ. In addition, stress can inhibit saliva production and cause you to develop dry mouth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay.
Yoga also improves posture, which can benefit your oral health. Poor posture can cause your lower jaw to shift forward and create alignment issues with your teeth. Both of these problems can contribute to the development of TMJ. By improving your posture, yoga can reduce the strain on your jaw and help prevent TMJ.
Yoga also helps reduce inflammation throughout your body be reducing your stress levels. When bacteria grow unchecked in your mouth, it can lead to gum inflammation. Chronic stress can exacerbate gum inflammation and contribute to the development of periodontal disease. Yoga can help you reduce this inflammation, which may potentially help prevent gum disease.
Your oral health is impacted by your overall health. By engaging in activities such as yoga which keep your mind and body healthy, you can potentially reduce your risk of several serious oral health issues.
Please contact Dr. Heather Flescher using the form at the right side of the page or call (713) 660-6500 today to schedule a dental checkup. We serve patients in the Houston, Texas areas of West University, Bellaire, Meyerland, and River Oaks.
