Whether we like it or not, our smile is constantly on the defensive against a host of oral health threats and concerns. Indeed, oral bacteria exist in every smile, and getting rid of them completely is anything but possible. What we can do, however, is keep them at a minimum in hopes of minimizing our chances of enduring an infection or complication down the line. Still, bacteria-related issues only represent a portion of the overall threat, and it is important we provide our grins with all of the help it can get. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist identifies a few surprising factors that also have an influence over your oral health and what you should know about them.
Your Diet Plays a Role
It goes without saying that some of the biggest concerns we face when dealing with our oral health involve tooth decay, gum disease, and other bacteria-related infections. After all, the last thing we want to experience is the loss of one or more teeth, but failing to treat these issues will inevitably lead to tooth loss as a result.
In addition to these primary concerns, however, there are other, nontraditional issues that can complicate your health status. For instance, your diet plays a large role in your oral health, as it directs or dictates what items come into contact with your oral structures.
To elaborate, a diet consisting of large amounts of sugar is one that will provide a higher chance of infection, as sugar feeds oral bacteria. Additionally, consuming large quantities of coffee can contribute to stain development. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
Personal Habits Can Lead to Bigger Concerns
Another not-so-surprising influence on your oral health includes personal habits or conditions. For instance, excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use has been found to contribute to weaker, more brittle teeth.
Additionally, sleep disorders and jaw dysfunctions can contribute to structural damage through teeth grinding. As the teeth are clenched tightly together, the friction created causes the surfaces of your teeth to wear down over time. This also leads to a higher chance of developing a major infection. Contact our team to learn more today.
Age is a Factor
A third surprising influence on your smile’s health is age. Indeed, age in and of itself is a contributing factor to a less bright, weaker grin. Though there is nothing we can do about aging, what we can do is take additional steps to ensure our grins are at peak health and safety.
Schedule Your Next appointment
Contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669 to learn more about the many influences that affect your smile’s health, and schedule your next appointment with our team today.