Most people know that skipping brushing or eating too many sugary foods can harm your teeth. But there are some lesser-known risk factors linked to poor oral health that might surprise you.
1. Being Male
Men over the age of 35 are more likely than women to lose their teeth earlier and more often. One reason is that men tend to be less proactive about both oral and overall health. Many wait until they’re in pain before visiting the dentist, while women are more likely to schedule regular checkups.
What to do: Be proactive. Don’t wait until something hurts—make preventive dental and medical visits part of your routine.
2. Taking Medication
Many common medications list dry mouth as a side effect. A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for cavities and bacteria that lead to gum disease.
What to do: If you’re dealing with dry mouth from medication or exercise, stimulate saliva flow by chewing sugar-free gum, especially gum containing xylitol.
3. Using Tobacco
Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco increases your risk of oral cancer and is strongly linked to gum disease.
What to do: Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s one of the best steps you can take for your oral—and overall—health.
4. Playing Sports Without Protection
Sports can put your teeth at risk in two ways: physical injuries from contact and dry mouth from exertion, which makes teeth more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
What to do: If you’re an athlete, always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury and keep your mouth healthy.