Health & Wellness - Jan 17

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12 & January 2017 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | Like us @healthykentucky INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE –COLUMN PROVIDED BY– Mind Body Studio 859.373.0033 | www.mindbodystudio.org 517 Southland Drive, Lexington Stress and Oral Health By John A. Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP For many people, there is a relationship between stress and oral health. The presence of oral disease and dental disorders can cause stress from low self-image, which can have a negative effect on well-being and personal happiness. Stress, chronic anxiety and depression can lead to self-neglect, including neglect of dental hygiene. For many people, dental self-care is not a high priority. It is especially common for stressful economic times to be associated with lapses in the proper oral hygiene habits of regular brushing and flossing of teeth and professional dental exams. Turning to sugar-laden comfort foods for stress relief can also lead to dental caries (tooth decay). Emotional disorders and stress at home or work can lead to the excess production of dental plaque, which in turn can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, leading to gingivitis and bleeding gums. A highly emotional response to financial hardship, in particular, has been shown to increase gum disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, and Kentucky ranks first or second nationally in tooth loss. A healthy diet, regular brushing, flossing, anti-bacterial mouth rinses and regular dental Stress, worry, anxiety and anger can lead to bruxism, the clenching and grinding of the teeth. evaluations can save your teeth. Stress can increase the frequency of canker sores. Also known as aphthous ulcers, these painful lesions occur inside the mouth and are not contagious. Students often have more canker sores during the school year than during holidays and summer vacation. Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are contagious, painful blisters around the lips, nose or chin caused by the herpes virus. Stress is a common trigger for these blisters. Though canker sores and cold sores resolve with or without medication, their resolution and their prevention can be helped by healthy approaches to stress management. Stress, worry, anxiety and anger can also lead to bruxism, the clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep or while awake. This grinding of the teeth can eventually lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ problems can cause popping or clicking of the jaw when opening the mouth or chewing. It can also cause facial pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint, neck, shoulders and around the ear when chewing, speaking or opening the mouth. A custom-made dental bite guard may be required to prevent damage to the teeth and the TMJ from frequent grinding. Individuals may be unaware of their teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Signs include flattening of the tips of the teeth and increased dental sensitivity from loss of dental enamel. There are many ways to help prevent stress from having an adverse impact on your dental health. You can probably find something on this list that fits your lifestyle and personal preferences. To help you manage stress: • Try to reduce your exposure to the circumstances, patterns of thinking, habits, people or other sources of your stress. • Seek financial, emotional or pastoral counseling to help you deal rationally, thoughtfully and methodically with your stress rather than self-medicating with drugs, alcohol and overconsumption of unhealthy foods. • To reduce mental and emotional stress, connect more with your body through your preferred physical activity – walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, dancing or sports. • Practice daily skilled relaxation, meditation or prayer. • Spend some time each evening reading inspirational material that uplifts your spirits. • Keep a daily gratitude journal (count your blessings). • Get a massage. • Hug a loved one. • Play with children and animals. • Spend unhurried time in nature. • Do something for others who are less fortunate. Generosity is good for both the giver and the receiver. • Participate in social and community activities that reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. There are several resources that offer self-directed approaches to stress management. They do not take the place of professional help
January 2017 & 13 should your burden of stress feel overwhelming or get worse over time. Speak with your dental or medical provider for a professional stress management referral if your self-care strategies are not helping. Your dental health as well as your overall health may depend on how effectively you manage your stress. Sources and Resources • Stressed out? Your Dentist Can Tell http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/stressed_ out.html • How stress affects your oral health http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/ stress-teeth • Dr. James Gordon, founder of the Center for Mind Body Medicine guides a ‘soft belly meditation’ http://vimeo.com/37976492 • Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh’s ‘single pointed meditation’ led by Peg Baim of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAIYm6wpzw4 About the Author Dr. John Patterson is past president of the Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians and is board certified in family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. He is on the family practice faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Saybrook University’s School of Mind Body Medicine (San Francisco) and the Center for Mind Body Medicine (Washington, D.C.). He operates the Mind Body Studio in Lexington, where he offers integrative medicine consultations. He can be reached through his Website at www.mindbodystudio.org. Relax the body, quiet the mind and open the heart Individual consultations, group classes, coaching, half day and all-day retreats Practice mindfulness, meditation, relaxation and gentle yoga for stress-related conditions and burnout prevention John A. Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP Integrative Mind Body Medicine Certified in family medicine, integrative medicine, mind body medicine, Integral Yoga, iRest Yoga Nidra and Physician Coaching MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR) The 8 week “gold standard” mindfulness program begins Monday, January 23 Mindfulness and Relaxation for Health drop-in class every Wed. 6:30–8:00pm A Day of Mindfulness for Body, Mind and Heart Sat., Feb. 18; 9:00-4:00 Mind Body Studio • 517 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY www.mindbodystudio.org • Call to register: 859-373-0033
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Health & Wellness - Jan 17

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