Most people tend to prioritize concerns such as weight, heart health, or diabetes when considering their diet, often neglecting the impact of food and drink choices on oral health. A study by the Oral Health Foundation reveals that only 15% of UK adults consider oral health a concern in their dietary choices. In contrast, 40% are concerned about weight gain, 35% about heart health, and 34% about diabetes.
The Oral Health Foundation warns that this lack of awareness may lead millions to face serious dental issues. Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the foundation, emphasizes the significant effect diet has on dental health: “Every bite and sip affects your mouth,” he states. Sugary foods can feed bacteria causing tooth decay while acidic drinks erode protective enamel. Certain foods and beverages can also stain teeth and cause bad breath, which may lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
Approximately 47 million UK adults experience tooth decay at some point in their lives; currently, 13.5 million live with untreated decay. Tooth staining affects up to 26 million individuals; around 15 million show signs of enamel erosion; nearly as many suffer from bad breath.
The risks extend beyond tooth decay and staining. Gum disease affects up to 90% of people during their lifetime due to bacterial buildup under the gums leading to inflammation and bleeding. If left untreated, gum disease could result in severe systemic issues.
Dr Carter highlights that a poor diet rich in sugar promotes bacterial growth increasing gum disease risk: “More importantly," he says, "gum disease isn’t just a mouth problem – it’s linked to serious conditions like heart disease stroke diabetes respiratory diseases." Other conditions connected include rheumatoid arthritis pregnancy complications chronic kidney disease.
Despite these threats nearly half (44%) have never altered their diets for oral protection purposes alone.“People often think about sugar for weight control but forget it harms their teeth just as much,” adds Dr Carter noting frequent snacking sugary drinks acidic foods exert extra pressure on both teeth gums alike
Small changes can help prevent dental problems according the charity's advice: reducing consumption sugary/acidic drinks opting sugar-free snacks limiting snack frequency eating balanced vitamin-rich meals offers protection against oral harm
Dr Carter asserts close ties between oral overall health research shows treating gum diseases aids managing diabetes reducing cardiovascular risks
With National Smile Month scheduled from May12-June12th Oral Health Foundation urges simple steps towards improved hygiene “Your mouth is part whole body" Dr.Carter concludes "Protecting your teeth means protecting your heart overall wellbeing What you eat how care matters"
For more information visit www.smilemonth.org
