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You may already know that diet and exercise affect your physical health. But many of these same lifestyle factors also impact oral health. Dr. Mike Olsen, a family dentist at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Trempealeau, WI, is here to explain how poor diet, alcohol use, smoking, and even stress can harm your smile.

Impaired Immune Response

Americans routinely underestimate the amount of sleep they need each night. The stress of an over-scheduled life combined with not getting enough sleep can result in an impaired immune system. Not only does this leave you at a greater risk of contracting the common cold or flu, but it also increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease. Your impaired immune response also makes it more difficult for your body to fight off the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. 

Prolonged Exposure to Substances

family dentistEating a diet that’s high in sugar is problematic. Sugary foods feed bacteria in the mouth that eat away at tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. That same bacteria is also infecting your gums and causing gum disease. A drink from your favorite coffee shop is loaded with sugar, as is a morning bagel and the pasta you have for dinner.

In addition to sugary foods, exposure to alcohol and tobacco also presents problems. Sugary alcoholic beverages only provide more food for the bacteria to thrive on. What’s worse, however, is that alcohol is dehydrating and inhibits saliva production. Saliva aids in washing away the decay- and disease-causing bacteria, resulting in prolonged exposure to those sugars. Tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes and cigars and using smokeless tobacco, also contribute to poor oral health. It can also slow healing after oral procedures, eventually leading to tooth loss.

If you thought your lack of sleep or poor diet were only affecting your concentration and waistline, think again. These lifestyle factors negatively impact both your oral and overall health. As a family dentist, Dr. Olsen can help you make changes so you can keep your smile beautiful. His office offers an array of services like teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. Call (608) 783-3341 to schedule an appointment with the family dentist today. 

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