Oral Health of College Students

As college starts again this fall, I get to recover from the rush of students trying to squeeze their cleaning and check-ups in before they start the new semester. This caused me to reflect on the lectures I had been giving to these young adults. I came to the conclusion that during this time in their lives, my patients are under a lot of stress, not eating their best, and putting dental care on the back burner.

Then I saw this fantastic article that expressed my exact observations.

So I’ll share my advice with you:

During times of stress and lack of sleep there is a decrease in salivary flow as a part of the fight or flight system. This can increase your risk of cavities.

Stress also triggers the release of chemicals that cause inflammation that can lead to gingivitis.

Lack of healthy dietary choices will lead to more than the “freshman 15.” Soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee and sports drinks have a lot of sugar and are acidic. This contributes to cavities and erosion of the enamel.

Stress and lack of sleep will lead college students to drink alcohol and smoke tobacco to reduce anxiety.

Healthy choices can lead to good oral health. The following are some Free or Low-Cost Apps that address overall Health:

Courtesy of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene July 2014

Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other candies.

Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent cavities.

How does that work?

Xylitol, unlike sugar, is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva.

"When you use xylitol gum or mints, the acid attack that would otherwise last for over half an hour, is stopped. Because the bacteria in the mouth causing dental caries are unable to ferment xylitol in their metabolism, their growth is reduced. The number of acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%. Since no acid is formed, the pH of saliva does not fall. Research has shown that the use of xylitol gum or mints also helps correct incipient damage to the enamel. Saliva in itself protects the mouth and teeth. Saliva containing xylitol is more alkaline than saliva that contains other sugar products. After taking xylitol products, the concentration of basic amino acids in saliva may rise. When pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to precipitate into those parts of enamel where they are lacking."

Visit Xlear, the xylitol experts, for more facts on xylitol or product information.

Sip On This

Soda drinkers, Beware!

The sugar and acid found in many sodas can be very damaging to the teeth. The sticky sugars break down into acids. Phosphoric and citric acids contribute to the acidity of sodas also, meaning diet sodas can be hazardous as well.

Saliva helps to neutralize acids and naturally cleanse our teeth, making water a better choice than a soda. The pH in our mouth is normally 6.2-7.0. At a pH of 5.2-5.5 or below, which is more acidic, the acids begin to soften and weaken the enamel. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes. It starts over again with each sip.

Here are a few examples of how some popular drinks compare:

For further comparisons on your favorite beverages, click here or

visit Sip All Day Get Decay.

What's a six pack a day soda fiend to do?

Whether you drink one or six:

• Dont sip - It's better to slam it down and get the acid attack over or better yet, drink soda with a full meal...and don't supersize it!
• If you drink soda by itself, chew sugarless gum afterward to increase your saliva flow.
• And always Drink More Water!