Can Yoga Really Help Your Oral Health?
Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of a healthy smile but if you’re looking to go a little further, it might be time to roll out the yoga mat. Surprising as it sounds, yoga can support your oral health in a few interesting ways. Here’s how:
1. Less stress, healthier gums
We all know stress takes a toll on the body but it can also affect your mouth. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to inflammation, including in the gums. By helping to lower cortisol, yoga may reduce gum inflammation and support better oral health overall.
2. Better circulation, brighter smile
Many yoga poses increase blood flow to the head and face, delivering fresh oxygen and nutrients to your gums. This improved circulation can encourage healthier gum tissue, supporting your mouth’s natural defences against gum disease.
3. Breathing well starts in the mouth
Yoga isn’t just movement, it’s also about breath. Breathing exercises (or pranayama) can strengthen the muscles in your mouth and throat, and encourage healthier breathing patterns. And better breathing often means better oral hydration and reduced mouth dryness—both of which matter for your oral microbiome.
4. Good posture, less jaw tension
Poor posture can create tension in the neck and jaw, sometimes contributing to issues like teeth grinding or TMJ disorder. Gentle yoga poses that encourage upright alignment, like Mountain Pose or Cat-Cow, can help ease that tension and support a more relaxed jaw.
A mindful boost to your routine
Yoga won’t replace brushing or flossing (or mouthwash, of course), but it can complement your oral care routine in a subtle but meaningful way. Whether it’s five minutes of breathing or a full flow, a little yoga could go a long way, for your smile, your stress levels, and your sense of balance.
Don’t just clean. Care.