Stress is part of most people’s lives. Between school or work, home, errands, deadlines, or tests, there is enough to keep anyone awake at night. Oral health is not immune to the effects of stress on our bodies and we will see how meditation and improved oral health are connected.
How Does Stress Affect your Oral Health?
If you’re stressed, you should let our dentist know so he can keep a closer eye on your teeth and mouth in general. Even patients that have good oral care habits and don’t suffer from any serious issues can have cracked teeth because of stress.
Grinding or clenching the teeth is the most obvious sign that you are under some stress and it will show when you have an examination.
We can get you fitted for a custom mouth guard or you can pick up one at your local pharmacy, to help with grinding and clenching of the teeth while you sleep. This will prevent any damage to the teeth’s structure.
How Can Meditation Help Improve Oral Health?
Meditation can be done anywhere. Any level of stress can be relieved by meditation and you don’t have to spend a lot of time closing your eyes and crossing your legs on a yoga mat.
Even if you take five minutes to tune out everything and take deep breaths, it can help to relieve your stress level. This can protect your oral health and by extension, your overall health. Try doing some meditation before bed to see if this improves your sleep.
Our body works in harmony and all systems are related. Meditation and improved oral health are connected because when you reduce your stress levels, your mouth benefits. It is important to let our dentist know if you think stress is affecting your teeth.