By Dr Henriette Macri-Etienne
Fitness and wellness are trending. Zoom classes, “wellness tracking”, movement for the mind and body, and time in the outdoors are all on the rise. This is welcome, as is the growing awareness of the benefits of holistic approaches in the fitness industry and in medicine.
A better understanding in the gym and in the doctor’s surgery of the mind-body connection has expanded our understanding of what it means to be healthy. Our psychological and emotional states are as much a measure of fitness as a “killer” deadlift or a sweaty full-body workout.
As a dental surgeon and owner of holistic dental practices, I do, however, worry that a part of the key to overall health is often left in the locker room. Dental health doesn’t sound as “sexy” as high-intensity intervals or a smart home gym, but it can have a significant impact on our bodies and minds.
Our mouths are a gateway to both, and poor oral health, or a lack of focus on dental fitness, can impact on our bodies and how we think about ourselves – the mouth-body-mind connection.
However toned you are – and as much as a good yoga session can de-stress the body and mind – poor oral health can be a starting point for other preventable conditions.
The Mouth-Body Connection
For example, bacteria that builds up in teeth can trigger an immune system response, causing flare-ups in other body systems. We now know, for example, that there is a strong linkage between gum disease (periodontitis) and diabetes, as inflammation that starts in the mouth begins to inhibit the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
Another example is the apparent link between poor oral health and coronary disease. While this is not yet fully understood, significant bodies of research point to high levels of gum disease in people suffering from heart disease.
The Mind-Body Connection
And just as most of us want to look ok in our gym gear, the relationship between our mouths and minds is equally an issue. Our teeth are on display throughout our lives and help connect us as human beings – through talking, eating, laughing, or simply smiling.
A lack of confidence, low self-esteem and embarrassment are some of the most common feelings seen in patients with dental issues. Certainly, that’s my experience as a clinician and owner of Integrated Dental Canberra practices. I so often see this link between oral health and emotional and mental wellbeing.
And, as always, prevention remains better than cure – the field where dental fitness comes into play.
In practice, what does this look like?
A few tips to get you started:
- nurture a sense of self care and good habits around oral health – brushing, flossing and six-monthly dental check-ups;
- stay free of dental diseases (decay, gum diseases, jaw issues, etc.);
- be able to chew any foods you want (because none of your teeth wobble or ache when biting);
- treat dental visits as part of your personal maintenance and enjoy the way you feel once you’ve had a check-up;
- enjoy the confidence and peace of mind from fresh breath;
- eat, smile, speak and kiss enjoyably; and lastly
- love your teeth.
So, please do jump onto that virtual training session and keep up the mindfulness practices, but don’t leave your smile in your gym bag – or feel that you need to.
Dr Henriette Macri-Etienne, BDS, is a dental surgeon with more than 20 years’ experience. She has particular expertise in holistic dentistry and assisting patients with dental anxiety.
She owns Integrated Dental Canberra practices in Katoomba and Canberra, Australia. She also loves yoga, meditation and deadlifts and exercises in the outdoors when she can!