Beyond Brushing: Other Factors That Impact Oral Health
Tooth decay is the most common global disease. Maintaining good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly is critical for keeping our teeth and gums healthy, but there are also other factors besides just proper hygiene that can impact the health of your teeth that often goes overlooked. Here are a few of them:
Diet
The diet that you have can have an impact on your teeth. For example, consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages can increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion. And, like the rest of our body, our teeth and gums need certain vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet to stay healthy and promote strong teeth and gums. A diet that lacks these important nutrients can open the door for an array of dental complications.
Calcium and Vitamin D are both critical for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D is a vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium, which is an important component for building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays a role in supporting our immune systems. When these two vitamins and minerals are deficient, it can make your teeth much more susceptible to cavities and periodontitis.
Water: When you are dehydrated and low on saliva, you will most likely experience dry mouth. This is concerning because saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay, as it washes away leftover food and washes your teeth with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. Dry mouth puts you at risk for tooth decay.
2. Stress and Mental Health
Stress can have a significant impact on our overall health, including our dental health. When we’re under stress, our immune system can weaken, making us more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. Additionally, stress can cause us to grind our teeth, leading to tooth damage and jaw pain.
To combat stress and protect your dental health, try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. You may also want to consider wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding.
3. Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use are well-known contributors to dental health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Smoking can also stain teeth, cause bad breath, and decrease the effectiveness of treatments such as teeth whitening.
If you’re a smoke, quitting smoking can significantly improve your dental health and overall well-being. Speak with your doctor and dentist for advice on quitting smoking, including resources and support.
4. Medications
Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can have side effects that impact our dental health. For example, antihistamines can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, some medications can cause changes in taste, leading to a decrease in appetite and poor nutrition.