TEETH ARE MORE THAN JUST PEARLY WHITES

Research has proven that chewing has great benefits for brain function, stress, anxiety as well as the pleasure of eating.

The number of teeth that you have is related to your ability to eat effectively. Adults typically have 32 teeth but you really need 20 to chew properly ( as long as they have opposing pairs)

So what does this have to do with your brain? 

The part of the brain that helps with long term and short term memory is called the HIPPOCAMPUS. If you have fewer teeth to chew with it affects the hippocampus by producing more stress hormone called glucocorticoids. This hormone makes it harder to acquire and process information. Chewing creates more blood flow to the brain and more oxygen to the cells that help with memory and learning. Studies show that people with fewer teeth have less chewing capacity and have less brain activation which shows up as a decline in cognitive function and increase risk of dementia.

Chewing can also be helpful with anxiety. Research shows that chewing gum helps reduce anxiety. The exact mechanism of action is still unclear but what a cheap way to deal with your mental health. Fewer teeth means it’s harder to chew gum.  Also chewing sugar free gum stimulates saliva that helps neutralize acids in the mouth therefore reducing plaque that can lead to cavities— win win.

So before you think teeth are only about your smile and your heart THINK again… your brain gets stimulated as well.

Love how everything is connected.

Let us keep you smiling

Dr Sharon Walden