YOGA FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Yogis have been promoting yoga for many centuries. Benefits of yoga go far and beyond improving balance and flexibility of the body to enhancing overall health of body and mind. Yoga also has numerous effects on our oral health. It relieves jaw pain, counteracts inflammation, improves blood circulation and keeps the gums and teeth healthy.

 Improves saliva production Saliva in the mouth helps in breaking down food particles, washes minute food particles and bacteria from the surface of teeth and gums. It contains antibacterial enzymes which help in making swallowing easier. Bad breath is one of the symptoms of reduced saliva production. Reduced saliva production leads to dry mouth resulting in plaque buildup and gum diseases. Certain yoga poses like forward folds, twists and inverted poses enhance saliva production and also prevents the mouth and throat from drying out.

 Improves posture Poor posture puts stress on the spine, neck and collarbones, which affects the jaw thereby having an impact on oral health. One of the benefits of practising yoga is that it improves posture and whole body alignment. This has an effect on the position of the jaw. 

 Reduces stress Along with its impact on our mood, digestive and cardiovascular system, stress also affects oral health. For instance; people clench or grind their teeth due to stress which may cause the teeth to crack, chip and wear down over time resulting in tooth decay and even tooth loss. Yoga is a proven stress buster, helps the body and mind to relax and reduces stress.

 Along with its impact on our mood, digestive and cardiovascular system, stress also affects 

Improve your dental health and correct your jawline with these simple yoga practices  

Sitkari Pranayama

Also known as hissing breath, this involves drawing breath through clenched teeth thereby cooling the entire mouth, throat and chest. Sitkari is good for mouth ulcers. 

1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
2. Gently press the upper and lower teeth together. Separate your lips so that teeth are exposed to air.
3. Inhale through the gaps of your teeth and focus on the hissing sound of breath.
4. Close your mouth and exhale through your nose.
5. Repeat up to 20 times.

 Simhasana

This posture benefits the face, jaw, tongue, mouth, throat. It is also useful for sore throat problems and getting relief from teeth grinding. Helps in healing sore throat, asthma and some respiratory issues.

1. Kneel on the floor with knees; shoulder width apart. Sit on your heels and place your hands on your knees.
2. Lower your jaw and open your mouth wide. Stretch your tongue out towards the chin.
3. Keep your eyes wide open focusing in between the eyebrows or on the nose tip.
4. Contract the muscles at the front of your throat.
5. Hold the position and exhale slowly through your mouth. A distinct ‘haaa’ sound is made.
6. Repeat up to 10 times.

Improvement in posture, reduced stress and increase in saliva production are some of the many benefits of practicing yoga that can have a positive impact on oral health.