4 Surprising Risk Factors of Bad Oral Health
We all know that not brushing your teeth and eating sugary foods are predictors of bad oral health, but there are a few risk factors that are correlated with bad oral health that might surprise you.
Being male – Men, typically past the age of 35, are likelier to lose their teeth more frequently and sooner than women. This is in part because men are not as proactive when it comes to taking care of oral and general health. Men are more likely than women to wait until there is something painfully wrong with their teeth before going to the dentist, while women are likelier to make regular visits.
How can you avoid bad oral health as a male? Simple: be proactive about your health! Don’t wait until something is wrong to go to the doctor or dentist.
Taking medication – One of the side effects of many medications is a dry mouth. Dry mouths make perfect homes for cavities and bacterias that cause gum disease.
If you are experiencing dry mouth as a result of medication or physical activity, you can stimulate saliva flow by chewing sugarless gum, especially gum-containing xylitol.
Tobacco – Smoking or chewing tobacco not only puts you at risk of suffering from oral cancer, but it is also correlated with gum disease.
The solution is to stop using tobacco. We know—it’s easier said then done, but it’s one of the best things you can do for oral and overall health.
Playing sports – Playing sports without a mouthguard puts you at risk of getting serious mouth injuries. Additionally, exercise can cause the mouth to dry and become more susceptible to cavity-causing bacteria.
If you’re an athlete, remember to wear a mouthguard to avoid injuries to the mouth.
