Our oral health is often forgotten as an important part of our general health, but it is connected to everything else. Dental problems are often linked to bad oral care or eating a lot of sugary foods, but our surroundings also play a big role in how healthy our teeth and gums are.
The things around us, like the air we breathe and the water we drink, have a big effect on our oral health. Alpine Dental Center can help you keep your teeth and gums in great shape and take care of any dental problems you may have.
The role of air pollution.
People who live in urban areas often have to deal with air pollution, which can be bad for their oral health. Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are two toxins that can hurt the gums and make gum disease worse. Plus, these pollutants can weaken tooth enamel, which makes teeth more likely to get cavities and other dental problems.
The impact of water quality.
Another important external factor that affects oral health is the quality of the water. Fluoride is a mineral that is often added to public water sources. It is known to make tooth enamel stronger.
Too much fluoride, on the other hand, can cause tooth fluorosis, a disease that makes teeth white in spots or streaks. However, not getting enough fluoride can make dental cavities more likely.
The hidden dangers of chemicals.
The world around us is full of chemicals, and many of them can be bad for your oral health. Endocrine disruptors are a type of drug that messes with the body’s hormone system.
They can throw off the balance of hormones that keep your teeth healthy. These chemicals can weaken tooth enamel, make it harder for salivary glands to do their job, and make gum disease worse.
The connection between everyday habits and environmental factors.
We may not be able to stop the contamination of the water and air, but we can choose to be less exposed to chemicals that are bad for us. Cutting down on plastic products, choosing organic foods, and eating fewer processed foods can all help lower your exposure to substances that could be dangerous.
How to protect your oral health.
To protect your oral health against external factors, think about the following advice:
Take care of your teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day to get rid of plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Every day, floss to get rid of food stuck between your teeth that you might miss when you brush.
Regular visits to the dentist.
Get a dental checkup every six months to find and fix any problems with your oral health as soon as possible. You can also get a professional cleaning from your doctor to get rid of plaque and tartar buildup.
Drink plenty of water.
Throughout the day, drink a lot of water to keep your mouth hydrated and help your body make saliva. Saliva has minerals that can help remineralize tooth enamel and wash away bacteria and bits of food.
Drink less sugary drinks.
Too much sugar in the diet can make the mouth more acidic, which can wear away tooth enamel and cause cavities. Instead of sugary drinks, drink water tea without added sugar or milk.
Pick foods that are good for you.
A healthy, well-balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help your overall wellness, including your teeth. Snacks and processed foods that are high in sugar can hurt your teeth.
Pay attention to the environment.
Avoid being exposed to air pollution by staying inside during times of high pollution, especially if you live in an urban area. You might want to use air purifiers in your home to get rid of pollutants.
We can keep our teeth and gums healthy and beautiful for years to come if we know how outdoor factors affect our oral health and take steps to protect them.
