With the National Smile month already in full swing ending on the 20th June, new reports show that stress and modern lifestyles are having a profound effect on our oral health.
Health on Female First
The Oral Census report from Listerine, have found that UK residents are affecting their teeth with their choice of diet. The research has found that 21% admit to eating and drinking more sugary snacks which we all know isn’t great for our teeth. Another 21% say they eat more and drink more when stressed. Drinking more caffeine proved popular amongst the people who participated in the research and 7% said they smoke more than usual.
If you’re a sweet tooth and love to indulge in all things chocolaty and tasty this may have a few consequences for you. Significant sugar intake is a key cause of tooth decay. So if you’re one who grabs a chocolate bar as your rushing from meeting to meeting then this will cause havoc for your oral health.
With our busy lives meaning we are more likely to have quick fixed meals rather than having the luxury to spend all day cooking a three course nutritious meal, we just can’t help but reach for the sugary snacks. We also spend a lot of the day stressing over work and other things that life throws at us. The people who were involved in the survey, 38% of participants admitted it had an impact on their lives. 20% admit that their lives have been impacted by long working hours.
The Oral Census report wants to raise awareness on oral health habits and attitudes in the UK today, including the impacts of diet and stress.
Leading behavioural psychologist Emma Kenny says that in today’s busy life we are running around trying to maintain and balance work as well as our social and family life. She adds: “Not only do we sometimes want sweet foods to make us feel better when we’re run down from stress, but we also know that it can give us a short-term boost to get us through a few hectic hours.”
Listerine also spoke to nutritionist, Amanda Hamilton, who says that the impact sugar may have on your teeth cannot be underestimated. “Sugar, it seems, is our crutch of choice, especially when we’re stressed. We lead increasingly stressful lives. We’re eating more of it than ever before. This has an obvious impact on your teeth.”
Guidelines from NICE which were published in 2004, shifted the recommended intervals between routine dental examinations from six months to as much as two years. According to DR Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the BDHF, he believes that education on oral health care is valuable. As visiting the dentist is not a regular occurrence for most, the Oral Census report reveals that some of our oral health behaviours, such as the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, cigarettes and alcohol, are letting us down.
Although people are aware of what isn’t great for their smile, Listerine Oral Census has uncovered significant deficiencies in the nation’s oral health habits. They say by following these top five tips you will be on your way to a nicer, healthier smile. Here are five things everyone can do differently from tomorrow for a better, healthier smile:
1. Stick to the two-minute brushing rule2. Commit to better cleaning by flossing
3. Resolve to rinse regularly to complete the routine
4. Eat for your teeth and avoid sugary food
5. Make prevention priority
Tagged in Health food Sugar Dental Health