Your Smile Matters More Than You Know: Why Oral Health Is a Vital Part of Healing

“You’re not healthy without good oral health.”

— Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General

Today’s dentist visit wasn’t just about clean teeth—it was a reminder that every part of our body tells a story, especially for those of us who have lived through trauma.

When we’ve experienced high levels of stress, loss, or unresolved trauma, it doesn’t just sit in our minds—it lives in our bodies. It shows up in how we breathe, how we sleep, how we move… and yes, how we care for our teeth. Our oral health is deeply connected to our overall well-being. And for me, today was a gentle (and honest) reminder that I have to do better.

My gums were tender. Not where I want them to be. That meant I hadn’t been flossing consistently or brushing with intention. And as someone who values her big, bright, beautiful smile, that’s a hard truth to face. In a world where veneers are trendy and replacements are glorified, I feel blessed to still have my natural teeth—never had braces, never wore retainers. These are the same teeth I’ve had since childhood. And they deserve better care.

“The mouth is the gateway to the body.”

— Dr. Mark Burhenne, functional dentist & author

As I sat in the chair, I thought about how oral neglect can become another layer of trauma, especially when our body is already trying to regulate so much. When you’re in survival mode, it’s easy to overlook routines that support long-term health. But unattended oral issues can lead to infections, inflammation, and even heart conditions. That’s real.

I also brought up something I’ve noticed lately: I grind my teeth in my sleep. The dentist confirmed what I suspected—my teeth have started to shift. Grinding can be caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, or even misalignment. In my case, it might be a combination of these factors.

Months ago, they had custom-fitted me for a mouthguard. And guess what? I never went to pick it up.

“Oral health is a reflection of total health.”

— Dr. Bruce Dye, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

So after a full cleaning—scraping plaque between my teeth, around my gums—they tried the mouthguard on me again. The pressure was so tight, it felt like my two front teeth were going to pop out. That little shift in my teeth from months of grinding changed the fit entirely. Now, we’re back to scanning and resizing. Another mouthguard is on its way, and I’ll have to wait a few weeks to receive it.

But this time, I’m committed to following through. Because this visit reminded me of something powerful:

Your mouth tells the story of your stress, your habits, your healing.

Healing is holistic.
You can’t say you’re prioritizing your health if you’re only tending to parts of yourself.

If your teeth are shifting, that can lead to changes in your bite, jaw pain, headaches, and more expensive dental work down the road. The longer you wait, the more your body compensates—and not in healthy ways.

So, here’s your gentle nudge:
Go to the dentist. Schedule your cleaning. Ask about your gums. Talk about that night grinding. Pick up your mouthguard. Do the little things.

You deserve to keep your smile—not just for pictures, but because it reflects the care you’re giving to yourself from the inside out.