Tage your smile
simple changes can help you to relax
OUR hectic lifestyles are leaving us feeling more stressed out than ever and this has a knockon effect on our physical health, writes ELIZABETH ARCHER.
But making small changes to your lifestyle can make a real difference to stress levels.
One of the best ways to beat stress is to stop and take deep breaths. Making the out-breath slightly longer than the in-breath helps to get us out of fight-or-flight mode and into relaxation mode.
When we are stressed our need for B vitamins increases. These vitamins can’t be stored These are small painful breaks in the skin surface that develop inside the mouth on the cheeks, lips or tongue.
We’ve all suffered from them at some point in the body, so we have to eat them every day. Try chopping up a banana and topping it with yogurt and a sprinkling of sunflower seeds for a healthy breakfast full of B vitamins.
With mounting to-do lists, it can be hard to find time to exercise. But just a few minutes of movement a day can help. A gentle workout releases endorphins into the brain which help you to feel more relaxed. Do stretches in the morning, and go for a short walk in your lunch break. Getting a good night’s kip will also leave you better equipped to handle stress. exaggerate this type of compulsive behaviour.
Most mouth ulcers will go away within one or two weeks but in order to ease the irritation, it’s advisable not to eat food that is spicy or has a high acid content, such as citrus fruits.
Numbing medication is also available over the counter to make eating less uncomfortable. If the ulcer persists beyond two weeks it is important to see your dentist to have it checked. Also known as TMD, this is a problem affecting the chewing muscles and the joints between the upper jaw which is part of your skull, and the lower jaw.
Clenching your jaw is a common side effect of stress and if repeated regularly this can lead to persistent pain – in your teeth, the joint and even headaches.
These problems can have a negative impact on the health of your mouth if left untreated.
Moist heat or cold packs can ease the pain. Talk to your dentist about medication for your particular case and a night guard may also be recommended to wear while you sleep.
Eddie Coyle is clinical director of Bupa Dental Care, which has more than 430 dental practices in the UK and Ireland. Visit bupa.co. uk/dental or call 0333 130 2728.