Where you live does have bearing on many things. Whether it’s the conditions of where you live, access to foods, or even your overall bodily health, it does play some role in this.
Climates, especially those with more extreme circumstances, can impact oral health. We’ll dive into just how this works, and the way that you’re able to control this through additional steps you can take to make this better for yourself.
Fluoride in Water
Most places have fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride is a mineral that’s used to help improve your teeth’s health and strength. Mineralization utilizes fluoride in order to build up the enamel and make it strong.
By mandate, most places have drinking water which contains fluoride. This is a good thing, because it can keep your teeth strong, and prevent other oral health issues.
But, despite many people benefitting from fluoride, there are some risks that excessive fluoride have in certain circumstances.
Dental fluorosis is one example. This is where white or brown areas of the teeth show up due to excessive fluoride. Again, it isn’t a serious condition, but it does make the aesthetics a bit of a downer in some cases.
In rare circumstances, too much fluoride can cause bone pain, fractures, or stiffness, but again, this is something that involves large amounts of fluoride, so if your water contains such, take the time to make sure that your oral health is not compromised due to these concerns.
Cold and hot Climates
Obviously, climate change has started to impact the way oral health is treated. In cooler climates, people tend to have more sensitivity and dry mouth, as the air tends to be dry. This is in contrast to more humid climates, where it might be the opposite.
With dry mouth and sensitivity, it does put you at cavity risk, especially if you have a history of dental care. With that said, if you have issues with cavities, and live in a climate that is not conducive to such, then take it upon yourself to ensure that you are managing your oral health effectively.
Urban Vs. Rural Hygiene
Urban climates also may have some issues with oral hygiene.
In rural climates, there is a chance that oral care might not be available, along with fluoride in the water. If it is hard to get this type of assistance, then take it upon yourself to look into alternative means to get treatments.
For those in urban areas, while fluoride might be in the water, air pollution is common, which might irritate the gums, leading to periodontal disease.
Some vector borne illnesses in more rural areas might also lead to malaria and dengue in a person, if not properly treated.
Some people also might experience changes in their oral health as well depending on the extreme circumstances of weather that they’re going through.
All in all, if you have some sense of concern for the weather, or for your oral health matters, talk to a doctor today. They’ll be able to point you in the correct direction, allowing you to have better oral health.
Taking care of your teeth does matter, regardless of the climate that you live in. if you are not doing such already, start to work on improving oral health by taking it upon yourself to brush your teeth and floss every single day. Make sure to stay hydrated, and if you are not getting enough fluoride already, make sure you work with your dentist to find the right alternatives for your oral health.