Strive-Achievement
January, 2008 edition

Oral Hygiene Habits of College Students:
Unhealthy Eating and High Levels of Stress Put Them at Risk

By Aubrie Mazza

Most college students are familiar with – and may even fear – the term “freshman 15,” which refers to the often-reported claim that college freshmen typically gain 15 pounds during their first year of school due to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. However, they are probably less aware of the potential effects these behavior changes may have on their teeth. As a student and future dental hygienist, I know firsthand that the typical college student’s lifestyle and diet may contribute to less than optimal oral health. Knowing the importance of patient education, I think we must proactively reach out to this audience and help to educate them about habits that increase their risk for acid erosion and caries to prevent serious damage as they age. We have the opportunity to improve the oral hygiene habits of students now, before they become life-long behaviors.

College students may find themselves adopting unhealthy eating practices and poor oral hygiene habits for a number of reasons. A popular temptation is the convenience of on-campus soda and candy machines that allow students to choose highly erosive snacks while on the go from class to class. I, myself, am guilty of spending nights cramming for exams; gulping down caffeinated, sugary drinks; munching on late-night junk food and sometimes even neglecting oral hygiene practices. For many students, it is the first time away from home, and we suddenly have the freedom to make our own choices. After a long night of studying and snacking, we might decide, “It’s 2:00 a.m. and I am exhausted – I’ll just brush my teeth in the morning.” Additionally, we often have irregular schedules that make eating regular, balanced meals difficult. This, combined with lack of sleep and stress, can fuel the desire for foods high in sugar, caffeine or other harmful agents. In fact, research shows that college students suffer most often from interproximal decay resulting from excessive consumption of fermentable carbohydrates – foods or beverages with high sugar content.[1]

Another condition strongly linked to the consumption of acidic foods and beverages is acid erosion, one of the major contributors to tooth wear. Foods and beverages such as soda, wine, juice and other sugary snacks and alcoholic beverages are also highly erosive and can cause thinning of enamel and smooth surfaces, loss of surface characteristics, dentin exposure and grooves.[2] If acidic items such as soda are consumed over long periods of time or are swished in the mouth, further demineralization of enamel may occur. This issue is only compounded when a college student neglects to practice good oral hygiene.

In addition to an erosive diet, higher levels of stress experienced by college students may also contribute to poor oral health. The emotional and physical factors involved in studying for exams often cause students to abandon their healthy oral hygiene habits as well as cause bruxism, which often results in surface wear and can even lead to severe damage to the teeth. High stress levels also reduce saliva flow, which is critical in the management of erosion, since saliva is supersaturated with calcium and phosphorous and helps inhibit demineralization of the tooth structure.[3]

While tooth wear cannot be reversed, teeth can be protected against future wear, and early intervention is the key. This is particularly important for college students since oral health habits are developed during the early adult years and often set a pattern for life. Though college may present a change in habits and routine, it is important to remind your college student patients that proper oral care is not something that ends after leaving home. Be sure to engage in meaningful discussion with each patient about lifestyle and dietary habits, asking patients detailed questions to identify tooth wear in the early stages. While you may not be able to force a patient to change his or her diet or oral care habits, you can encourage simple modifications to diet and lifestyle that may slow or even halt tooth wear.

References

1. Erica Pelzek, “Tooth Decay Gnaws Away at Molars, U. Wisconsin-Area Expert Says.” 2006, The Daily Cardinal.
2. Papas A. Erosion: diagnosis, management and restoration. ADA’s 146th Annual Session Program 2005, October 7.
3. Barbour ME, Rees GD. The role of erosion, abrasion and attrition in tooth wear. J Clin Dent 2006; 17 (special issue): 88-98.

Aubrie Mazza is a senior at the Community College of Rhode Island, where she is the president of her SADHA organization. After graduation, she plans to continue her education, as her instructors have inspired her to become an educator one day.