Our bodies are what we eat; what a cliché, right? Our eating habits and lifestyle choices greatly influence our overall oral health. We live in a fast-paced world where we do everything in a rush. Most of us have overlooked things like regular dental check-ups, eating habits, and physical exercises. And because of this, our bodies have become more prone to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure. We use our mouths as an entry point for healthy and unhealthy things. For example, eating junk food and smoking are done using the mouth. And because of this, it is natural for our oral cavity to be affected first. Here is an in-depth of how an unhealthy lifestyle is a risk to our mouths.
Junk Foods
Junk food consists of carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. These types of foods include sodas and processed foods substances. They usually have low nutritional value and are high in calories. In addition, junk foods contain high levels of acid and sugars, which can damage our gums and teeth. Too much ingestion of these foods can also lead to tooth decay and cavities. Additionally, frequent consumption of junk food will lead to obesity and heart issues.
Oral Piercing
If you are considering oral piercings, there are possible side effects that you will have to consider. According to our dentist in Surrey, our mouths have a lot of bacteria, and an oral piercing may cause an infection. It may also:
- Crack or chip your teeth
- It could lead to swelling, discomfort, and gum tissues damage
- Uncontrolled bleeding as a result of an +A blood vessel being pierced
Stress
The impact of stress on our oral health is sorely underestimated by most. Despite that, high-stress levels can cause oral issues such as bruxism. Also, stress can cause one to forget oral habits such as flossing, brushing teeth, and attending regular dental check-ups. Other times people under stress will make bad lifestyle decisions such as eating junk food, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake. These choices may lead to dental issues such as oral cancer, tooth decay, and periodontitis.
Alcohol
Excessive intake of alcohol will cause mouth dryness, gum disease, teeth discoloration, and liver and cardiovascular issues. People with alcohol abuse are at a higher risk of oral cancer than non-alcohol abusers. Additionally, they are prone to plaque accumulation, leading to tooth loss.
Poor Brushing Habits
The technique used plays a crucial role in our daily dental care routine. An irregular brushing routine can lead to bad breath, cavities, infections, and loss of teeth. Additionally, brushing our teeth improperly can promote bacteria growth and gum disease. Every time we eat, our mouth’s PH level reduces, and the bacteria in our oral structure are activated. For this reason, brushing after meals neutralizes our oral cavity.
Brush your teeth twice daily and use mouthwash to rinse them out. Hold the toothbrush at an angle of 45 and gently brush your teeth. Don’t forget to give your tongue a daily cleaning. Floss your teeth at least once daily to remove food debris stuck between your teeth. Visit our dental clinic near you to learn more about proper oral hygiene habits.
Smoking and Tobacco Chewing
Whether you are smoking or chewing, all types of tobacco are dangerous to our oral health. Tobacco is the number cause of mouth cancers such as lip and tongue cancer. Additionally, it causes other oral issues such as bad breath, teeth discoloration, and gum diseases. In addition, continuous tobacco use will decrease your body’s healing ability making it vulnerable to various infections.
Biting Nails
Nail-biting can-do considerable damage to your teeth and general oral health. Some nails are strongly resilient to injury, and biting on them can crack or chip your tooth’s enamel. Additionally, nail biting can bring bacteria into your mouth and cause infections.
What To Do?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle will be the solution to the above issues. First, incorporate physical exercise into your daily routine, preferably in the morning. For example, one could do yoga, jogging, or meditation. Reduce your intake of carbonated sodas or junk foods. Additionally, follow a proper oral hygiene regime, avoid alcohol and tobacco intake, and lastly, live a stress-free life. Contact our offices at Dental Zone for more information or guidance on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle.