Dental Experts Urge Student Oral Health Focus
As thousands of students settle into university life, the British Dental Health Foundation is urging youngsters to look after their oral health.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that student life presents challenges for oral health, as students tend to have a poor diet and consume a lot of alcohol. As students begin to settle into university life, Dr Carter has urged them not to neglect their oral health, especially as there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that oral health is linked to general health.
Dr Carter encouraged young people to make sure that they have a ready supply of toothpaste and a toothbrush and to register with a local dentist as soon as they can. Treatment on the NHS is free of charge for under 19’s and regular check-ups are much cheaper than complex courses of treatment, which may be needed if oral hygiene and dental appointments are neglected.
He encouraged students to brush twice a day, to try and eat healthily and to avoid stocking up on snacks and fast food during the day. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps to remove plaque and neutralise acids.
Alcohol plays a major role in many students’ day to day lives and drinking in moderation is fine; however, drinking to excess increases the risk of accidents and major health conditions. Health experts advise limiting the amount of alcohol you drink and alternating alcoholic drinks with water to prevent dehydration. Many popular student drinks, including alco-pops, shots and spirits and mixers contain a lot of sugar, which is harmful for the teeth and sticking to sugar-free mixers will make a huge difference to oral health.
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