Consuming sugary, acidic beverages, eating sugary foods, chewing tobacco, and smoking can all lead to serious oral health issues. Not only are these habits addictive, they may cost you a lot of time and money in the future.
We have all heard it said that too much of anything is bad. This is certainly true when it comes to drinking too many sugary, acidic beverages including soda, sports or energy drinks, juice, and coffee. Heavy consumption of these beverages after time can cause enamel wear and tooth decay. Once the enamel on your teeth is gone, its gone for good. Enjoy these drinks, but in moderation. It is also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after consumption. Consuming sugary foods or beverages at mealtimes is better for you than consuming them throughout the day. Each time you eat or drink something high in sugar, your teeth are susceptible to attack by acids and bacteria that can cause tooth decay for about 20 minutes. Reducing your exposure to these addictive habits is a key factor to reducing your risk of dental decay and other complications.
Alternative snack ideas:
fresh fruit, low fat yogurts, vegetables
plain popcorn
sandwiches with low fat fillings
unsugared and uncoated breakfast cereals
Chewing tobacco can also cause serious oral health issues. Tobacco chewers have a higher risk of developing oral cancer than non-users. Chewing tobacco can cause deterioration of the gums which can contribute to increased risk for decay on the root surfaces.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, Research has revealed an increase between middle school students and high school students using tobacco products. Four percent of grammar school boys use chewing tobacco, and this percentage leaps to 20 percent for high school boys; half of which already have pre-cancerous white patches in their mouths. In addition, tobacco users who dip or chew 8 to 10 times a day may be receiving the nicotine equivalent of 30 to 40 cigarettes a day.
Effects of Using Chewing Tobacco
If you chew tobacco, you may have the following things to look forward to:
Cancer: Cancer of the mouth (including the lip, tongue, and cheek) and throat. Cancers most frequently occur at the site where tobacco is held in the mouth.
Leukoplakia: When tobacco is held in one place in your mouth, your mouth becomes irritated by the tobacco juice. This causes a white, leathery like patch to form called leukoplakia. These pre-cancerous patches can be different in size, shape, and appearance.
Heart disease: Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and irregular heart beats are all caused by the steady flow of nicotine into your body. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as constricted blood vessels causing dizziness and slowed reaction time.
Gum and tooth disease: The direct and repeated contact of chewing tobacco with the gums causes them to recede, which can contribute to progression of gum disease, bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Chewing tobacco also contributes to increased risk for dental decay and chronic painful sores from the acid it produces.
Social effects: Chewing tobacco permanently discolors teeth and causes halitosis (bad breath). Chew stuck in your teeth and constant spitting can have a very negative effect on your social and love life.
Smoking can lead to similar effects as chewing tobacco such as stained teeth, bad breath, heart disease, and oral cancer.
Overall, limiting addictive habits will provide opportunity for you to maintain a healthier mouth, body, and smile for a lifetime. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental visits are important factors for maintaining good oral health. Proper oral health is important to total body health.
