none 10.31254/dentistry.2018.3304 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 135032149 314763 20220224084101552 10.31254 2022-02-24T08:41:19Z 2022-02-24T08:41:08Z 1 International Journal of Dentistry Research Int J Dentistry Res. 25813218 10.31254/dentistry http://www.dentistryscience.com/ 12 30 2018 3 3 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, India R Pavithra V Preethi Interns, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, India N Priyadharshini Interns, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, India Modern day habits, sedentary lifestyles, hectic work schedule and lack of physical activity leads to stress accumulation in the body. Stress in turn results in depression, anxiety, mental health problems and leads to lack of motivation and personality disorders, a vicious cycle sets in. Stress response is the mechanism by which the body reacts to any threat or damage. An automatic process known as “fight or flight” comes into play due to the body’s defence mechanism, during a time of danger. High blood pressure, anxiety and depression are results of stressful lifestyle. Apart from affecting the mental and physical health, it also degrades oral health. Occurrences of canker sores, teeth grinding, TMJ disorders, gum diseases and dry mouth are a few to mention. Stress can exaggerate and cause tooth loss. Yoga is said to unite the body, mind, spirit and prevents impairment of cellular immunity seen during stress. Scientific literature has evidence that practise of yoga causes down regulation of the hypothalamic pituitary – adrenal axis and thereby improves mental and physical health. This review paper highlights the importance of YOGA-A HOLISTIC APPROACH in combating and preventing dental problems. 12 30 2018 72 74 10.31254/dentistry.2018.3304 https://www.dentistryscience.com/IJDR_201833_04.pdf