TV'S Dr. Oz has three tips for a stressful mouth!

Happy Friday! TV's Doctor Oz recently did a segment on Three Signs of Stress in Your Mouth, and provided some solutions to relieve tension and to check how healthy your gums are. Our staff at Abba Dental thought we'd pass along his suggestions for a stressful mouth.

1. Teeth Grinding: Mouth Guard & “Hook & Pull” Exercise - Dr. Oz said that people who grind their teeth tend to have a lot more stress hormone in their body, and that grinding your teeth can cause headaches, earaches and pain. Also, the Chicago Dental Society has suggested that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise. A mouth guard can help relieve your teeth grinding, and Dr. Oz says that you can do a “Hook and Pull” exercise when your put one index finger in either side of your mouth and pull your mouth out horizontally. Then from that position you can massage the muscle, which can be very helpful for getting rid of stress.

2. Canker Sores: Hydrogen Peroxide & Milk of Magnesia - Dr. Oz said canker sores are stress-related and often happen when your immune system is suppressed. A good home remedy, Dr. Oz said, is to swish around a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent hydrogen peroxide inside of your mouth. Also, you may dab Milk of Magnesia on your canker sore 3-4 times a day for relief.

3. Gingivitis: Cranberry Floss - Here's Dr. Oz's theory: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is more common among people who are stressed out because roughly 50 percent of people do not floss or brush regularly when they are under stress, which causes their gums to recede and pull away from your teeth. Dr. Oz recommends drinking unsweetened cranberry juice to ward off plaque, and said you can even buy cranberry floss!

If you have any questions about your gum health, we encourage you to give us a call or ask Drs. Lim or Azizi during your next visit!