Brushing and flossing twice a day for 2 minutes will keep your teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that there are benefits of yoga for your oral health?
You probably think of yoga as an activity for improving balance and flexibility. But breathing and stretching exercises can also relieve symptoms related to stress, including teeth grinding, toothache or gum infection. Here are 4 benefits of yoga for your oral health:
Reduces Inflammation
Stress can cause your body to produce higher cortisol levels. Too much cortisol may eventually lead to long-lasting inflammation in the body and in the gums. Gum inflammation can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and even trigger pain throughout your whole body. Yoga can help calm the body and reduce inflammation, keeping those oral health problems from occurring.
Boosts Saliva
Saliva washes away food particles—which can cause cavities and tooth decay—and keeps your mouth from drying out. A dry mouth is prime for bacteria that leads to plaque buildup, bad breath and, you guessed it, gum disease. Yoga poses where the heart is higher from the ground than your head (known as an inverted pose), forward bends and twists help boost saliva and, in turn, improve your oral health.
Improves Posture
When you are hunched over, your neck pushes forward and may lead to your teeth not aligning correctly. Plus, poor posture can cause facial and jaw pain or teeth grinding. Ouch! Doing yoga regularly encourages you to sit and stand properly throughout the day and has other benefits like stronger core muscles, better breathing and more confidence.
Lowers Stress
The effects of stress on your overall health are clear. It can make you tired, cranky and prone to aches, pains and oral health problems. Practicing breathing and stretching exercises can calm the mind and body. Lowering your stress will keep your mouth and body healthy, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Do we have you convinced? You don’t have to be a seasoned yogi to get started. Try these free yoga videos and discover the benefits of yoga for your oral health.
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