The Hidden Impact of Air Pollution on Your Teeth: What UK Residents Should Know

There is growing evidence that air pollution is linked to issues with your oral health, including gum disease, enamel erosion and tooth staining. This could explain why some patients suffer with issues, despite all of their best efforts to care for their teeth. It could be the air that you are breathing that is causing the issues.

How does air pollution impact oral health?

To understand the link, we first need to understand how air pollution works. Air pollution occurs when there are fine particles and gases in the air we breathe. This could be from car engine exhausts, or the industrial burning of fossil fuels. In cities, the majority of air pollution will come from vehicles.

These particles and gasses can harm the cells in your mouth, disrupt the Ph levels, and can also be absorbed by your teeth. Compounds like sulfur dioxide can be absorbed by the tooth surface, and this can build up over time, causing discolouration.

By disrupting the Ph level in your mouth, this can also impact the way dental decay develops. In turn, this can contribute to an overgrowth or bacteria in the mouth, causing inflammation that leads to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis.

These harmful particles can also damage the cells in your mouth and throat, which could lead to cancerous cells forming. Just as you would be worried about the effects of smoking on your oral health, so too should you be worried about the impact of breathing in polluted air.

How can you protect yourself from air pollution?

First, you need to get to grips with just how polluted the air is where you live and work. You can check air pollution levels using this guide. Remember to not only look at your home address and work address, but also the route you take when you commute. If you cycle to work, this will be even more important.

If you live or work in an area with high levels of pollution, you might want to invest in a mask to wear when you will be outside and near sources of pollution, like the roads. Again, if you cycle to work, this will be even more important.

If you’re worried about the impact on your teeth, you should arrange a checkup with your dentist. This will help you to understand the impact on your teeth.

How can your dentist support you?

If you take good care of your teeth but you are still facing issues, then it could be time to explore other potential causes. The biggest risks to your teeth will be the increased chance of developing cavities, and the potential to develop gum disease, which could lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

From a cosmetic point of view, you might be worried about the impact on the colour of your teeth, as pollution can contribute to dental staining. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening can help to reverse this.

You should also look for products that will help to remineralise the surface of your teeth. The enamel can be damaged by exposure to these particles, but using a remineralising toothpaste could help you to tackle this issue.

If you are concerned about the impact on your oral health, the best thing you can do would be to attend regular checkups so that your dentist can monitor issues and respond quickly.