Apart from bad breath and unsightly smile, most people are not aware of the adverse effects that may come as a result of neglecting their oral health. Heart disease, diabetes, premature births and low birth weight are just a few potential outcomes of poor oral health. These are serious risks that affect a large part of the population in Australia. Statistics have it that 47.2% of adults over 30 years old have some form of periodontal disease.
Fortunately, all dental problems are preventable. Oral health is a lot more than just the health of the mouth, teeth and gums. Simple steps taken can help in keeping major oral problems at bay. In order for you to understand how you can avoid such health issues, it is vital that you know some main threats and triggers to oral health that you can avoid. This article is going to talk about threats to dental health you should be aware of.
It is said that you are what you eat. And in no better place can this be seen than in your teeth. That’s because many drinks and foods can lead to plaque, which causes serious damage to your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky substance found on the surface of the teeth filled with bacteria, which contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. After consuming a sugary snack, the sugars cause the bacteria to produce acids which attack the tooth enamel. When the tooth enamel breaks down, dental cavities are formed.
According to the Australia Dental Association, dental cavities are the most common chronic disease that people aged between 6 and 20 years face. Cavities cause complications such as chewing problems, tooth abscesses, and pain. And if you do not floss or brush your teeth regularly, plaque can harden forming tartar. Tartar that has formed above the gums can lead to gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease. Besides regular flossing, brushing and visiting a dentist regularly, try and avoid or limit the following foods and drinks:
There is nothing that deserves the first spot in this list as much as soda. We are all aware of how bad soda is in all aspects of our overall body health,and oral health is not exceptional. A lot of research studies have shown the link between soda intake and teeth cavities. Sodas are highly acidic, and the acids contained in them can cause harm to your teeth even more than the sugars by eroding minerals from your teeth enamel. Therefore, even diet sodas are still bad for your teeth because they contain phosphoric and citric acid. Of course, other regular sodas that contain sugar are worse since they have the added danger of providing more sugar for the bacteria in your mouth.
Acid strikes again, this time around it is in the form of a sandwich topper. The vinegar contained in the pickles, which gives them the sour taste we love, makes the pickles more acidic. A research study done by some Australian students found that pickles eroded teeth more than any other food. If you cannot stop taking pickles, then eat them in one sitting and rinse your mouth with some clean water afterwards.
The chewy the candy, the worse it tends to be for your teeth. Chewy candies such as caramels and taffy stick to and between your teeth feeding the bacteria in the mouth.
Always think twice as you walk towards that supermarket bread aisle. When you eat bread, the starches are broken down into sugar by your saliva. Now that the chewed food has been transformed into a sticky paste, it sticks between your teeth. And this can lead to cavities. If you are craving for bread, always reach out to the less-refined varieties like whole wheat. Whole wheat is not only easily broken down but also contain less added sugars.
It is common knowledge how bad coffee can stain your teeth. These stains are bad for your teeth since they are very resistant. Also, coffee is known to make teeth sticky and dries out the mouth. As if that is not enough, coffee also contains acid, which we all know it wears down the enamel.
Popcorn is a starchy food which changes to sugar when it meets saliva in the mouth. Un-popped kernels which hide at the bottom of the bowl are what causes a greater threat to your teeth. Almost everyone has bitten down on one of those un-popped kernels and can recognise the kind of danger they pose to your teeth and fillings.
Dried fruits are considered to be healthy snacks by many people,and there is some merit to that. But, when it comes to oral health, dried fruits pose a great danger. The main issue is that most dried fruits contain high sugar content and they are very sticky. They are rich in natural sugars and non-soluble cellulose fibre which makes them as bad for your teeth as chewy candies.
We all know that alcohol consumption is not healthy because it tends to dry out your mouth. And a dry mouth lacks saliva, which is essential in keeping your teeth healthy. Saliva washes away food remains and prevents them from sticking to your teeth. It also helps in repairing early signs of gum disease, tooth decay and oral infections. Always drink plenty of water and use fluoride rinses to keep your mouth hydrated.
As much as most crackers do not contain acids or sugars and do not cause stains, they are still quite harmful to your teeth. Crackers are refined carbohydrates, which quickly break down to sugar; they also get sticky when you chew them. So, they stick between your teeth allowing the bacteria to flourish.
Anything that will get you yelled at if you spill it on a white tablecloth will also get your teeth stained. This includes red wine, which contains some substances referred to as chromogens that produce staining pigments. Also, red wine contains tannins which dry out the mouth and make teeth sticky which worsens the stains.
Minimising the Negative Impact of Some Food
Reading a list that contains some food that acts as a threat to your oral health may be disheartening. This is especially if some of these foods are your favourite. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to minimise their effects. Here are some of them:
- Develop good oral hygiene measures that include brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once.
- Limit the enjoyment of some of these foods and increase intake of foods that are beneficial to your oral health. Some beneficial foods include fish, nuts, milk and cheese.
- Chew sugar-free gum. Sugarless gum helps in cleaning the teeth by stimulating saliva production. This is the natural way of washing away acids that are produced by the bacteria in the mouth. It also washes the teeth with calcium and phosphate which strengthens the teeth. Other varieties of sugar-free gum are sweetened with xylitol, which is an alcohol that reduces bacteria.
- Sip plain water throughout the day. Water is very essential when it comes to your oral health. Studies have shown that fluoridated water prevent teeth cavities up to 25% better than water that is not fluoridated.
Exercise-Related Threats
Working out is generally good for the well being of your body. It helps in keeping it healthy and functioning. Of course, some major benefits comes with exercising such as building muscles and stress relief. However, working out can be detrimental to your oral health in some instances. This is something a majority of people had no idea about. Here are some of the things you should be aware of when it comes to how working out can pose as a threat to your dental health.
Many athletes prefer to rehydrate themselves by taking some sports drinks and energy drinks. As much as these drinks have the capability of refuelling you by boosting your energy levels, they also can take a major toll on your dental health. Research by the Academy of General Dentistry has it that the level of acid present in most of these energy drinks have the ability to ruin your teeth in just five days of continuous consumption. Most people take these drinks thinking that they are boosting their energy levels but what they don’t know is that they are bathing their teeth with acids at the same time. Taking it frequently during workouts exposes your teeth to acids and sugars which can lead to tooth decay.
- Opening Mouth While Breathing
While exercising especially during an intense exercise, people tend to breathe via their mouth. Breathing through the mouth dries your mouth, reduces the flow of saliva, and gives bacteria a conducive environment to thrive. Adding acidic sports drinks and energy drinks only make things worse. According to research, breathing through the mouth frequently can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Also, saliva contains some important minerals and nutrients necessary for your teeth.
- Weightlifting/ exertion and Teeth
Most people clench their teeth during weight lifting. The pressure that is exerted on teeth during this exercise is transmitted through the teeth and ligaments that hold the teeth in place to the jaws. The pressure can also extend all the way to the neck and the upper back muscles. Weightlifters place hundreds of pound on their teeth while lifting the weights thus making them clench. Clenching can cause damage to the teeth and bring pain to the jaws. It can also cause headaches and muscle spasms.
While carrying out different sporting activities and exercise, your teeth are prone to physical damage. Statistics reveal that over two million teeth are knocked out in Australia annually,and the most rampant reason is a physical injury during sporting activities. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced sports person or you are just a newbie, physical injury can occur to anyone.
A Measure that can Mitigate Exercise-Related Oral Threats
Despite the major threats exercise possess on your dental health, staying in shape doesn’t have to take a toll on your teeth. There are some few tips you can follow to ensure that you stay in shape and also safeguard your dental health. Here are some of them:
You need to replace your electrolyte when you sweat profusely during a workout. However, there are some healthy ways for you to rehydrate other than sipping teeth eroding sports drinks and energy drinks. Here are some better natural options:
Tap water or bottled water is a great drink to keep you hydrated throughout your exercise session. To make it healthier for you, add a pinch or natural salt or a splash of lemon to get more minerals. This can also help to add some little flavour.
Taking natural coconut water without adding any additives is a very healthy option. Not only is it perfect for hydrating your body but it also contains some anti-inflammatory properties. This property helps in balancing insulin and glucose levels.
- Breathing Through the Nose
Breathing through the nose does not only reduce your risk of reducing your saliva flow but can also protect your teeth and also have some psychological benefits. For example, when you breathe through the nose, your nose and sinus membranes releases nitric acid which significantly increases the absorption of oxygen in the lungs. It also helps in lowering the blood pressure.
Most people tend to think that a mouth guard is only used during a boxing match. However, they can also be used for many other sporting purposes. Mouthguards come in handy when it comes to protecting your teeth, gums, and mouth from any physical trauma. They can also reduce the pressure exerted on the teeth during weight lifting. You can purchase a mouth guard from your local store or have your dentist customise one for you. However, customised mouth guards are the best because they will fit you better and will feel more comfortable.
Dangerous Oral Hygiene Practices
- Brushing Immediately After Meals
Brushing immediately after meals are as dangerous as taking acidic foods. While the enamel is porous, brushing can make it wear down very easily and make it thinner. This reduces its ability to protect the inner part of the tooth. Instead of brushing your teeth immediately after meals, first, drink some water and wait for at least 30 minutes. This will give your dentine some time to re-mineralize. Make this a habit, particularly after eating acidic foods.
When most people are brushing their teeth, they want to do it as hard as they can. A majority of people tend to think that the harder they brush their teeth the cleaner they will become. However, this is not the case. In fact, you will only be damaging your enamel. Australian Dental Association approximates that up to 20% of Australians have damaged their teeth and gums due to over-brushing. While brushing, your goal should be to remove the plaque and tartar in the gentlest way possible so that you can protect your teeth and gums. That is why it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. A hard-bristle toothbrush can damage your teeth.
For a majority of people, oral health involves brushing their teeth. Very few people think about the health of their gums. People tend to think that their gums are healthy and don’t need any specialized attention. However, this is far from the truth. The gums are made of tender skin that partially covers the teeth. They act as a protective layer to the teeth by protecting the bacteria from gaining access to the inner part of the tooth. This means the gums play an important role in making sure that you always maintain a pearly smile. Healthy gums mean healthy teeth,and this ultimately transforms into a bright smile.
Make sure that you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis to prevent accumulation of plaque and tartar. If plaque is let to stay on the surface of the gums, it can release some harmful toxins. Infection to the gum can destroy the tissues and the bone around it. This can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Additional Threats to Your Teeth You Should Be Aware of
It is a no-brainer that tobacco isn’t good when it comes to your overall health, but a majority of people don’t recognise the damaging effects it has on their teeth. One of the most damaging effects of smoking or using other tobacco products is oral cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most severe form of oral cancer accounting to a vast majority of oral cancer death. It’s rare for a person who has no history of tobacco use to have this form of cancer.
While all tobacco products are harmful, chewing tobacco and snus, a smokeless tobacco product is harmful to your teeth and gums. Tobacco products will cause your gums to recede over time thus exposing the root of your teeth. When the root of your teeth are exposed, you become more vulnerable to teeth sensitivity and decay. If the problem is not treated, it will become loose and eventually fall out. Many tobacco products available also contain sugar to sweeten the flavour. Sugar is one of the worst enemies of good oral health.
Moreover, people who use tobacco products are more susceptible to teeth discoloration and bad breath. They are also at high risk of developing cancer of the cheek, lips, oesophagus and the throat. Other oral complications that may occur as a result of using tobacco include mouth pain, root canal, inflammation, cavities and jawbone deterioration. Tobacco use will weaken your immune system making it very hard for you to fight most oral health problems.
Saliva plays a very integral role in the mouth. It enables us to swallow our food and prevent our soft tissues from sticking on each other. It contains essential enzymes that start the digestion process of the food we eat. It also contain some anti-bacterial properties that keep the harmful bacteria away. Many medications contribute to decrease of saliva leaving the mouth dry. Such medications include chemotherapy and radiation. The decrease of saliva in the mouth makes one feel some burning sensation and pain in the mouth. This possesses a high risk of bad breath and tooth decay.
There are some few medications recommended for people experiencing dry mouth. This includes using some mouthwashes and toothpaste. In some severe cases, the dentist can prescribe some medication that helps in increasing saliva production. If you are suffering from dry mouth, make sure that you visit your dentist,and he/she will prescribe the best medication for you.
Irrespective of the season, avoid chewing on ice. It can crack, chip, or damage your tooth enamel. Chewing on ice can also cause problems to existing in dental work such as crowns and filings. Those who can’t help it but keep getting the urge to chew on ice should seek medical attention. Studies have it that the urge to chew on ice might be linked to anemia.
- Avoiding Regular Checks by Your Dentist
According to the Australian Dental Association, thousands of people fail to visit their dentist regularly. Most people visit the dentist when they are suffering a toothache or have other specific dental problems. A regular check-up by your dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health and preventing some major dental complications. Irrespective of if you have any dental problems, you should always make it a point to visit your dentist after every six months. This period may vary to some people suffering from other conditions that may necessitate them to visit the dentist more frequently.
Conclusion
There you have it, some of the common threats to dental health you should always try and avoid. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. This will help you get rid of the harmful bacteria in your mouth that cause harmful acids. Limit taking high numbers of acidic foods such as citrus fruits. Substitute such foods with some healthy options such as a glass of milk. Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly.
By keeping the above information at the top of your mind, you will be on your way to achieving and maintaining the most healthy and beautiful smile.
