The increased overall economic status of people nowadays has led to the consumption of highly processed food which has negative effects not only the overall health but also on oral hygiene.
- Unhealthy diet
- tobacco use
- harmful alcohol use
- poor oral hygiene
These are all considered risk factors for oral diseases.
Food items falling in the category of highly processed food:
- Breakfast cereals
- Carbonated drinks, sugary drinks like coffee, energy drinks, and weight maintaining powders
- Items made using all-purpose flour such as chips, cookies, and bakery items like cakes, muffins, and brownie mixes.
- Premade foods containing preservatives
- Frozen meals such as pizzas and pasta
- Energy protein bars and chocolates
- Sweetened dairy products such as milk powder, chocolate drinks, flavored yogurts
Such highly processed and ultra-processed food have hydrolyzed proteins, colouring products, bulk products, preservatives, and thickening products.
All these contents which are present in processed food items decrease the pH of the oral cavity and make an acidic environment that adversely affects oral hygiene leading to cavity formation and gum issues. Not only the oral hygiene gets hampered but also the overall health such ad cardiovascular health gets compromised.
Tobacco chewing: Tobacco consumption has been associated with lifestyle changes because of the stressful working environment. Tobacco leads to staining and bad breath. Gum problems are also associated with tobacco chewing.
Stress: The most underestimated reason for orofacial pain is stress. Due to a stressful lifestyle, there is a constant tension in the oral musculature and temporomandibular joint. Sometimes stressful lifestyles may lead to people turning towards tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption leading to poor oral hygiene.
Choosing a proper lifestyle indirectly affects the future of your oral hygiene.
What to do to maintain your oral hygiene through proper and healthy lifestyle activities:
1. Brush twice daily. Use a soft bristle brush and brush in a circular motion for not
more than 3 minutes.
2. Gargle every time you have any sticky food such as chocolates.
3. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Also, reduce the intake of high sugar product.
4. Have a rich fiber diet.
5. Adopt the habit of Flossing
6. Visit your dentist twice a year for regular dental checkups.
For further more queries book an appointment on our official website www.pathakdentalclinic.com or contact us @ 9762126132
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does lifestyle affect dental health?
Your daily lifestyle choices — including diet, oral hygiene habits, tobacco or alcohol use, and stress levels — have a major impact on your dental health. Unhealthy habits can lead to cavities, gum problems, and even tooth loss over time.
2. What are common lifestyle habits that harm oral hygiene?
Frequent consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, tobacco, and alcohol are among the main causes of poor oral health. These habits lower the mouth’s pH level, encourage bacterial growth, and damage teeth and gums.
3. How does processed food affect oral hygiene?
Highly processed foods contain preservatives, sugars, and acids that decrease the pH in your mouth, creating an acidic environment. This leads to tooth decay, enamel erosion, and gum inflammation, increasing the risk of cavities.
4. Can stress cause dental problems?
Yes. Chronic stress can cause jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It can also lead to unhealthy coping habits like tobacco or alcohol use, worsening oral health.
5. What is the link between oral hygiene and overall health?
Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just affect your teeth — it can contribute to heart disease, diabetes complications, and digestive issues. A healthy mouth supports a healthy body, making dental care an essential part of your overall well-being.
6. How can I maintain good oral hygiene in daily life?
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss daily, avoid sticky or sugary foods, and rinse your mouth after meals. Regular dental checkups at Pathak Dental Clinic, Pune, help prevent major oral problems early.
7. Why should I visit the dentist twice a year?
Regular dental visits help in early detection of cavities, gum infections, or oral lesions. Preventive cleanings and checkups every six months ensure long-term oral and overall health.
8. What dietary habits support healthy teeth?
Include fiber-rich foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in your diet. Reduce the intake of sugary and processed items to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums.
Address: 11/11 Akurdi Chikhli Road, Near Dwarka Collection, Kasturi market,
Sambhaji Nagar, Thermax Chowk, Below Nutan Jewellers, Chinchwad, Pune,
Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411019
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Call: +91 9762126132
