7 Ways Your Lifestyle Might Be Affecting Your Dental Health

7 Ways Your Lifestyle Might Be Affecting Your Dental Health

Your lifestyle plays a significant role in determining your overall health. Unfortunately, many of us tend to overlook the fact that this includes our dental health. Certain habits and routines, some of which you might not immediately associate with oral health, can have a profound impact on your teeth and gums.

Here’s our guide to seven of the key lifestyle factors that could be having a detrimental impact on your dental health.

Drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of oral health issues. Alcohol tends to dry out the mouth, reducing saliva flow and production. This causes a risk to dental health as saliva is essential for neutralising acids and washing away food particles. The impact of alcohol consumption can therefore increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. As well as this, many alcoholic drinks are especially acidic or sugary, which can contribute to tooth erosion and decay.

In considering the damage caused by alcoholic drinks, it’s important that we also mention the impact of non-alcoholic drinks. Many of us enjoy a fizzy drink from time-to-time, without thinking about the effects these highly acidic drinks have on our teeth. Even seemingly innocent fruit juices are packed with sugars and acids – while they may be all-natural, sugar is sugar, and can contribute to bacteria build up that can erode tooth enamel. Hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, are acidic too. These also contain tannins that can stain teeth over time, and that’s not to mention the sugar we often add to a brew too.

Although we wouldn’t recommend you skip the enjoyable drinks altogether, it helps to be more mindful of the impact that even natural or everyday drinks can have on our dental health. You can minimise some of the effects of sugary or acidic drinks by rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming. This will neutralise some acids and can help to wash away excess sugar.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits for oral health. It’s a major risk factor for periodontal (gum) disease, contributes to tooth discolouration, and can lead to bad breath.

Additionally, smoking impairs blood flow. Limited blood flow reduces the body’s ability to heal, which can significantly hinder recovery after dental surgeries or procedures. This is why it’s especially important to avoid smoking after any dental treatment.

While many people have now switched out smoking traditional cigarettes for vaping, many fail to realise it’s not a risk-free option when it comes to our dental health. Vape liquids often contain propylene glycol, which is known to cause dry mouth. Again, saliva is vital for protecting and maintaining our teeth and gums. Vapes also still contain nicotine, which again restricts blood flow to the gums. Remember that we’re still not fully aware of the effects of vaping, and it may be even worse for our dental health than you think.

Diet

Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. Consuming foods that are high in sugar and acids can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy teeth and gums. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus, such as dairy products and lean meats with reduced fat content, can help remineralise teeth and protect enamel.

Medication

This one is often overlooked, but many medications can have a considerable impact on dental health. Some forms of antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, and antidepressants, can reduce saliva flow. A lack of saliva increases the risk of dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Chewing sugar-free gum could help produce more saliva.

Some blood pressure medications like beta-blockers, as well as immunosuppressants, can cause gum enlargement, which means it can be difficult to clean teeth properly.

It’s important to stay hydrated, do your best to keep up with a good cleaning routine, and discuss any concerns with your dentist if you’re on long-term medication.

Communicating with your doctor and your dentist is important when it comes to weighing up the pros and cons of medications that you most likely need to maintain your overall health.

Lack of Sleep

Sleep is essential for our overall health, and that includes oral health! A lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making your gums more vulnerable to infections such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Ensuring you get enough rest helps the body to fight off infections more effectively. It’s recommended that adults sleep for at least 8 hours per night, though some will need slightly more or less.

If you struggle getting to sleep, try to minimise screen time in the hours before you go to bed.

Stress

High levels of stress can lead to several oral health problems, including teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), which can wear down teeth and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Stress can also exacerbate existing conditions like gum disease. Managing stress through exercise, meditation, or help from your GP can help reduce the effects of these conditions.

Weight Change

Significant weight fluctuations can impact your oral health. Rapid weight loss or gain can alter your body’s nutritional balance, affecting the health of your teeth and gums. This can sometimes cause vitamin deficiencies, that can lead to oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay. Maintaining a stable and healthy weight through a balanced diet is beneficial for your overall and oral health.

Uplift Your Dental Health with Ringway Dental

Your lifestyle choices significantly impact your dental health, often in ways you might not expect. By being mindful of these factors and making positive changes where necessary, you can improve not only your oral health but your overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial, as they allow for the early detection and treatment of any issues that may arise. Remember, a healthy lifestyle leads to a healthier smile!

If you have concerns about how your lifestyle might be affecting your dental health, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Ringway Dental, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health, offering personalised advice and treatments tailored to your individual needs. Get in touch with us today on 0161 437 2029.

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