How the ‘Student Life’ Might Affect your Oral Health

Late night partying and other aspects of student life can affect your teeth.

Whilst we respect the fact that not all students will live the stereotypical life often associated with them, such as late night parties and heavy drinking, the reality is that a significant number of those going to university, and often leaving home for the first time, will take advantage of the freedom that they now have.

This is all part of the process of maturing of course, and many of us may look back sheepishly at some of the things that we did when younger. Unfortunately though, whilst those events may have been a good while ago, some of our actions at the time had long lasting adverse affects on our teeth, some examples of which we continue to see at our Bromley dental practice.

Oral neglect

One of the most likely ‘culprits’ of the student’s lifestyle which can have negative effects on their teeth and gums, are the late night parties and excessive alcohol intake. Aside from the potential of accidents when drunk, it is highly likely that the brushing of teeth will come a long way down a student’s priority on arriving home. Whether it is continuing the party or crashing straight into bed, it is a fact that brushing the teeth is very likely to be forgotten.

In addition to this, the effects of alcohol will almost certainly mean that the student will wake up with a very dry mouth, to say nothing of the likely hangover! Whilst, as a one off, this may not matter too much; if repeated over a period of time, the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth will multiply, rapidly increasing the risk of gum disease.

A combination of not brushing the teeth and onset of gum disease may well mean that you will finish university not only with a degree, but extremely poor oral health too.

HPV

We should also mention HPV here (Human Papilloma Virus). Whilst not every student will be promiscuous at university, there is evidence that some will be. Often combined with alcohol, protection may be the last thing on the student’s minds and this increases the risk of the spread of HPV which is passed through unprotected sex and can result in a number of potentially serious outcomes.

With regards to oral health, HPV is contacted via the soft tissues in the mouth and whilst most people will not develop symptoms or health problems; for those who do, they can be very serious and can include head and neck cancers.

Stay healthy

Through moving away from home, many students fail to see a dentist during their time studying at university or college. General oral health can suffer and, as we’ve discussed previously, there are extra risks involved too. Consequently it is even more important that their oral health is monitored during this period in their lives. If you are a student at university in the Bromley area, The Smile Dental Practice is on hand to help you to keep on top of your oral health. Please don’t risk your teeth and gums! Contact us on 020 8462 2473 and arrange to have a check up by one of our dentists.