From rising global temperatures to the increased frequency of extreme weather events, climate change’s damage is far-reaching. But research indicates it may also impact our oral health.
Whilst the larger geographical issues of climate change are often documented, there is minimal awareness on how the altered weather patterns effect our general health and, more specifically, our oral health.
A recent article investigated the connection between climate change and dentistry, ultimately identifying several likely outcomes that are worth noting. These include:
The study compiled a comprehensive selection of research papers that focused on climate change, oral health and then both combined. Findings from these documents highlighted the role of poor air quality, food and water insecurity, vector-borne illnesses and social factors on oral health.
Diseases like caries, oral cancer and periodontitis also have direct and indirect associations with climate change. For instance, in hotter, drier summers, there may be a greater consumption of alcoholic beverages, ice creams and more foods and drinks that are cariogenic. The greater exposure to UV radiation in longer periods of sun can also increase the risk of oral cancer if the lips aren’t sufficiently protected from the sun.
On an international level, climate change is already altering the crops that can be grown, gradually shifting dietary habits. In the UK, the warmer summers have meant there are more vineyards than ever before, with sparkling wine production soaring. This may lead to a greater consumption of the acidic drink.
The main limitation with the climate change study is that it is mostly speculative – nobody truly knows how the next 10, 20 or 100 years will map out. But, by focusing on the current issues in oral hygiene, an increased awareness can be achieved during the hotter summer months when the risk factors are higher.
Correlation between climate change and poor oral health should also motivate dentists and their patients to pursue greener, more sustainable oral hygiene solutions for the long-term.
>Since you’re here, why not read about how many patients avoid medical information?
Main image credit: Unsplash
