University of Queensland Study Finds Love Improves Oral Health
Love is an incredible thing. There are countless paintings, poems, and rock ballads that attest to the power of love. But love is more than just inspiration for artists: Scientific research has also found that love has an impact on overall health. Research shows that married couples tend to live longer, people in love tend to feel less anxious or stressed, and being in a loving relationship can inspire people to take better care of themselves. A 2016 study out of Brisbane, Australia, suggests that love may even affect our oral health. This collaborative study between the University of Queensland School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the School of Dentistry found that patients in happy romantic relationships are more likely to practice better oral health habits. The study assessed 265 healthy adults and collected data on attachment patterns (Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Short Form, ECR-S, OHRQoL, Oral Health Impact Profile-14, and OHIP-14), oral health behaviours (modified Dental Neglect Scale, m-DNS), and self-rated oral health (one-item global rating of oral health).
those with attachment avoidance were “linked with diminished self-rated oral health.” Grace Branjerdporn, Ph.D. candidate and one of the lead researchers in the study, elaborated on her findings in an interviewwith Medical Xpress. “We determined that those who tended to avoid emotional intimacy, or worried their partner would not be available to them in times of need, were more likely to have negative oral health outcomes,” said Ms. Branjerdporn. “Theywere more likely to skip dental checkups for preventive reasons, be overly self-conscious about how their teeth looked, and say their oral health was poorer. “Those who try to emotionally distance themselves from their significant other may be reluctant to schedule regular preventive dental appointments as they have higher levels of self- reliance, distrust of others, and avoid seeking support.” This study is the first of its kind to assess the association between attachment avoidance and oral health. And it might give dental professionals reason to thank Cupid for any improvements in their patients’ teeth this Valentine’s Day.
What’s Love Got to DoWith It?
Researchers found that participants with attachment insecurity showed “lowered use of favorable dental visiting behaviors” while
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Spicy Salmon Tartare
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
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1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon lime zest
1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced 1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced 3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons grapeseed or vegetable oil Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.
Crackers or chips, for serving
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