6 Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Your Oral Health

*Collaborative Post

Your teeth and gums can be greatly impacted by the lifestyle decisions you make. A BMC Journal study found that healthy lifestyle habits can reduce periodontitis prevalence. The four lifestyle factors that were recognized to have the most effect were smoking, drinking, BMI, and sleep. For people who are currently or were formerly smokers, smoking was found to be a significant independent risk factor for periodontitis.

Although it seems obvious, many people ignore the relationship between oral hygiene and everyday behaviors. In this post, we will look at a few of these lifestyle variables that impact oral health.

1. Diet and Nutrition

The foods you eat may have a big influence on your oral health. Sugary, acidic foods like candy, soda, and processed snacks can erode tooth enamel and result in cavities.

A Frontiers Journal study states that certain dietary patterns, including excessive fat, high sugar, and low fiber intake, have been linked to periodontal disease. Furthermore, eating disorders have a detrimental effect on patients’ dental health and are linked to the emergence of periodontal diseases. Deficits in some nutrients and vitamins can exacerbate periodontal disease in both cases.

The bacteria in your mouth reacts with sugar to produce acids that damage your teeth. Conversely, teeth and gums may be strengthened by eating a diet high in calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Diets high in fiber, fruits and vegetables, dairy, nuts, and leafy greens encourage saliva production, which naturally cleans your teeth and guards against decay.

2. Smoking and Tobacco Use

Gum disease and tooth loss are largely caused by smoking and consuming tobacco products. The mouth’s defenses against infections are compromised by tobacco use, which facilitates the growth of germs in the gingiva. This may develop in periodontal disease, which may cause bone loss, loose teeth, and receding gums.

In addition to discoloration of teeth, tobacco usage raises the possibility of oral cancer. Several scientific studies have also backed the link between smoking and dental problems. For instance, an NCBI study found that combustible tobacco use can increase the chances of adverse oral health outcomes. It was also found that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) can lead to bleeding after brushing or flossing.

3. Opioid Use

Oral health can be negatively impacted by the use of opioids, whether for pain relief or recreational reasons. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is one of the main problems linked to opiate usage. Opioids decrease salivary flow. When saliva flow is reduced, germs build up in the mouth and cause infections, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Furthermore, opioids may contribute to bad dental hygiene practices. Regular brushing and flossing may be neglected by users because of the drug’s drowsy effects or a general lack of drive. Some people who are addicted to opioids may also have desires for sweet foods, which can exacerbate dental damage.

The worst-case scenario in this situation can be addiction to opioids, especially for recreational purposes. Opioid use disorder (OUD) can make you completely neglect your dental and overall health. Ironically, its treatment is also associated with dental health issues. For instance, Suboxone (buprenorphine) is a popular medication for OUD across the US, prescribed for around 4.8 in 100 people.

However, several studies have associated Suboxone’s active ingredient, buprenorphine/naloxone, with severe oral health conditions. A JAMA Network study states that sublingual use is comparatively more harmful than transdermal buprenorphine and oral naltrexone. It notes that buprenorphine/naloxone is acidic, and when patients are asked to hold them under their tongue, it reduces pH levels.

This increased acidic nature in the mouth leads to numerous conditions, such as tooth decay. Many people have even filed a Suboxone lawsuit against the manufacturing company. As stated by TruLaw, the plaintiffs allege that the manufacturer failed to warn them. Patients trusted their medicine to help with OUD without causing any harm, but they were not aware of the potential danger.

Through the lawsuit, the impacted Suboxone users are trying to seek fair compensation for their damages. However, Suboxone lawsuit payout per person will differ from case to case based on factors such as:

• Severity of tooth decay
• Cost of dental treatments
• Non-economic damages
  • Pain
  • Suffering
  • Emotional distress

Although the actual amount may vary, experts predict that the average case settlement can be around $150,000.

4. Alcohol Consumption

Frequent alcohol consumption might also be detrimental to your dental health. Because alcohol tends to dry out the mouth, less saliva is produced to wipe away microorganisms. Tooth decay and gum disease risk may rise as a result of this.

In addition to being heavy in sugar and acidity, many alcoholic beverages can erode tooth enamel. Minimize these effects by limiting your alcohol intake and brushing your teeth properly afterward.

Does drinking alcohol make a tooth infection worse?

Bacteria attacking and inflaming the gums results in a tooth infection. Alcohol can exacerbate this inflammation, lengthening its duration or making it worse. During a dental infection, the acidity of alcohol can irritate your teeth and gums and provide the bacteria with sugar.

5. Stress and Mental Health

Oral health is frequently indirectly impacted by stress. When under stress, people may stop brushing or flossing, ignore their dental health, or develop hazardous behaviors like smoking or sugary food munching.

A study found that those in good mental health were more likely to have seen the dentist in the previous year. Unmet oral health needs were substantially correlated with age, income, and mental health status.

Can mental stress cause tooth pain?

Through teeth grinding, increased sensitivity, pH imbalance shifts, and even poor dental hygiene brought on by stress, anxiety can aggravate tooth discomfort. See a dentist to rule out any underlying dental issues if you’re dealing with persistent tooth pain along with stress or worry.

6. Hydration and Water Intake

Maintaining oral health requires drinking enough water. Water helps neutralize bacterial acid production and remove food particles.

Your body creates more saliva when you consume adequate water, and saliva is crucial for preventing tooth decay. Water consumption, particularly fluoridated water, is one of the easiest and best strategies to protect your dental health.

Why is hydration important for oral health?

It removes food residue, facilitates easy swallowing, and strengthens teeth through calcium, phosphate, and fluoride cleansing. A dry mouth might increase your risk of dental decay when your salivary flow is reduced. In addition to helping to avoid this circumstance, water could be crucial for maintaining pH balance.

Over time, making conscious lifestyle changes can help your oral health. Each of these behaviors has a significant effect on your mouth’s long-term health. Understanding these links is the first step to enhancing your general health and well-being and your smile.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.