The role of air quality in oral health is a least concerning health fact that most of us actually suffer from.
Lately, we all are experiencing air pollution in our day-to-day life other than in previous decades, which was the main reason leading to a number of medical problems.
Although you surely have hardly heard about oral health, especially its attachment to air pollution, this article is trying to point out how serious the topic it should be.
Also following a number of tips you can easily manage its impact to ensure your protection.
Table of Contents
How Does Air Quality Affect Oral Health?
Air quality has a direct impact on our oral health, and poor air quality can cause numerous dental problems. The pollutants present in the air can settle on our teeth and gums, leading to a variety of problems.
For example, some o the air particles often find in the atmosphere are a reason to develop plague in your mouth. These plagues are good reasons to create gum diseases or decay in your tooth.
Normally air pollution is one of the reasons to develop pathogens like bacteria develop in your mouth. Also often exposure leads to developing even bad breath.
When your body is often exposed to air pollution, the immune system eventually is getting weak, and quite hard to fight against infections. On that list, oral medical condition is also a top serious issue.
Common Air Pollution Sources and Pollutant Impact on Oral Health
There are a number of reasons leading to air pollution in both indoor and outdoor areas. in common, the following sources are a key reason for a higher level of air pollution rise.
- Industrial Emissions
- Buring of the fossil fuels
- Wildfires
- Open Burning of Garbage Waste
- Transportation
Most of these emissions, burning contain extreme content of different air pollutants leading to a number of medical conditions and impact on our ecosystem.
Most common air pollutants in this list :
- Particulate matter,
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Ozone etc.
These pollutants can settle on our teeth and gums, leading to numerous dental problems.
When your body is often exposed to air pollution, the immune system eventually is getting weak, and quite hard to fight against infections.
Nitrogen dioxide can cause tooth erosion, while sulfur dioxide can cause bad breath and dry mouth. Ozone can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to bleeding and other dental problems.
Potential Dental Health Issues Could Air Pollution Cause
Poor air quality can lead to various dental health issues, as follow.
Let’s discuss each of these potential dental health issues in detail:
1. Gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis. It is a common oral health problem caused by a bacterial infection in the gums.
Poor air quality can cause inflammation in the gums. This is a good reason to make them more susceptible to gum disease.
Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth.
2. Tooth decay
Tooth decay is a bacterial infection that damages the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel. Poor air quality can your the enamel.
This is a good reason to make air quality more susceptible to decay. Moreover, dry mouth caused by poor air quality reduces saliva production, which helps neutralize the acid and fight off bacteria that cause tooth decay.
3. Bad breath
Poor air quality can lead to bad breath or halitosis.
The pollutants in the air can cause dry mouth. A dry mouth is a good reason to reduce saliva production, which can cause an overgrowth of bacteria and lead to bad breath.
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Tips to Manage the Role of Air Quality in Oral Health
We all know it is practically hard to control air pollution as wish. But here are some steps to manage the role of air quality in oral health.
Brush and floss regularly
Brushing teeth is the minimal thing you can try to manage the role of air quality in oral health. Make sure to do it at least twice a day with fluoride-contained toothpaste.
It is an effective way to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Also, it will prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Use mouthwash
These antibacterial mouthwashes keep your mouth away from bacterial growth. Also, keep your mouth and breath fresh for a while.
Mouthwash can also help reduce plaque and gum inflammation.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and stimulate saliva production. This will help neutralize acid and fight off bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay.
Visit your dentist regularly
Make sure to take professional dental guidance at least twice a year. Inform about all the inconveniences and issues you face in your mouth. Most of the problems can easily be controlled at the early stage.
Your dentist can detect and treat any dental issues before they become severe.
Use an air purifier
Air purifiers are normally used to maintain a proper atmosphere in a closed area, effectively. Air purifiers capture the most type of harmful pollutants and pathogens.
If you often face oral problems and air pollution more often make sure to try a small air purifier, under your doctor’s guidance.
Other than air purifiers for bedrooms, now you can try them for your office or even for your car.
FAQs
Can air pollution cause tooth sensitivity?
Yes, air pollution can cause tooth sensitivity by weakening the enamel of the teeth.
Can air pollution cause gum disease?
Yes, air pollution can cause gum disease by causing a build-up of plaque.
Can air pollution cause bad breath?
Yes, air pollution can cause bad breath by causing dry mouth, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Can an air purifier help protect my oral health?
Yes, an air purifier can help remove pollutants from the surrounding atmosphere. They are capable of improving air quality and protecting your oral health.
How often should I visit my dentist?
You should visit your dentist at least twice a year. Proper medical guidance keeps you away from a number of medical inconveniences from time to time that occur in your mouth.
Conclusion
While air pollution is a complex and multifaceted issue, taking steps to improve air quality and prioritize oral health can have a significant positive impact on your overall well-being.
By following the tips outlined in this article and staying informed about the latest research on the topic.
And you can take control of your oral health and reduce the impact of poor air quality on your teeth and gums.
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