Oral Health while at University.
Knowledge for your Dental Health
Student life is a wonderful time for young people to gain knowledge and develop into responsible adults. However changes in their lifestyles while at University, can lead to poor dental health and oral health problems.
Lifestyle changes can be due to living away from home, feeling they have the independence to do what they want, or giving in to peer pressure. Knowing the risks and effects on oral health can often help avoid making bad health choices. Having the knowledge to make the right choices will help ensure a healthy smile while enjoying university.
What’s bad for oral health?
Alcohol effects on oral health
Too much alcohol can increase the chances of getting heart disease, liver cirrhosis and cancers including mouth cancer. Statistics suggest oral cancer diagnosis is six times higher in those who drink than non-drinkers. Acute alcohol consumption can also cause reduced saliva flow. Saliva is our natural defence to diseases such as tooth decay. Alcoholic drinks also tend to contain more sugar and are more acidic, which can lead to tooth decay and tooth wear.
Smoking effects on oral health
Smoking can cause many of the same diseases as alcohol but also many more. Smoking and drinking combined increases risks to diseases. Smoking or chewing tobacco alone is responsible for 80-90% of oral cancer cases. Smoking can also cause gum disease, bad breath, discoloured teeth and plaque build up.
Unhealthy Diet effects on oral health
We are what we eat ! Students often eat poorly. This can be due to time pressures, stresses of study and workloads. Some may not be used to preparing and cooking meals. Eating a healthy diet containing fresh vegetables, fruit, oily fish and pulses while avoiding processed foods high in sugar can keep energy levels high and reduce risks to many general diseases as well as gum disease, tooth decay and tooth wear.
Inadequate Oral Hygiene effects on oral health
Students who have late nights out often forget to clean their teeth. Plaque is a major cause of gum disease and tooth decay. Recent research studies show gum disease can put us at a higher risk to general health problems such as heart disease. One theory is that gum disease allows the bacteria that inhabit our mouth to enter the bloodstream and circulate around the body allowing them to settle in the heart blood vessels.
Research has also shown some links between gum disease and stroke, respiratory disease, head and neck cancer, kidney disease and diabetes.
Dental health tips for a healthy smile
- Visit your dentist regularly. For the majority of patients this is every 6 months.
- Clean your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean in between your teeth using floss or a suitable product.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash daily.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
- Reduce the amount & frequency of sugary foods and drinks.
- Reduce the amount and frequency of acidic foods and drinks.
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
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