Excessive Computer Use Linked to Poor Oral Health in Teens

Is there a teen in your life who is deeply into computer gaming; or a coding genius; a hacker; or social media influencer?   Make sure they pay attention to their teeth!

Up until now, there have been many studies about the excessive use of computers (e.g., Internet and computer games), which can interfere with a person's daily life and may also have a negative impact on their overall health. These studies indicate that the excessive use of computers (>3 hours/day), including video games, might be associated with an unhealthy life‐style such as a sedentary life, irregular meals, junk food habits, and a lack of sleep.(Kim et al., 2010; Peltzer, Pengpid, & Apidechkul, 2014) Such behaviours appear to be associated with many health problems including physiological problems (e.g., childhood obesity and diabetes) and/or psychological problems (e.g., violence, aggressive behaviour, and self‐body image issues).(Mark, Boyce, & Janssen, 2006; Marshall et al., 2004) Problematic computer use has been reported by several authors.(Hawi, 2012; Siomos, Dafouli, Braimiotis, Mouzas, & Angelopoulos, 2008; Tsitsika et al., 2012) In 2006, among Canadian youth, only 41% of girls and 34% of boys spent 2 h/d or less in front of a screen (TV or computer).(Mark et al., 2006) Similar periods of daily computer use have been reported in the United States, where one study found that only 37% of girls and 34% of boys spent 2 h/d or less in front of the screen.(Roberts, Foehr, Rideour, & Brodie, 1999) This means that the majority spent more than 2 h/d in front of the screen.(Roberts et al., 1999)

It is perhaps unsurprising that the American Academy of Pediatrics has released guidelines recommending that “screen time” in front of a television or computer in children and adolescents should be limited to no more than 2 h/d.(American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 2001).

This month, an interesting university study out of Poland (Olczak‐Kowalczyk, Tomczyk, Gozdowski, Kaczmarek, 2019), comprised of nearly 2,000 teens, showed those who spend more time on computers are significantly more likely to neglect their oral health.

Three hours of computer use each day is enough to put a teenager at risk of poor oral health, the study revealed.

Researchers found those that spent longer on a computer were less likely to brush their teeth, floss and visit the dentist. The results are particularly worrying for boys, where twice-daily brushing dropped below 50% for those with excessive computer use.

Further findings discovered that youngsters with excessive computer use are up to 25% more likely to suffer from bleeding gums, and almost twice as likely to be absent from school because of dental pain.

Clearly these results call for education about the dangers excessive computer use. Much of the attention in the past has focused on its relationships with obesity, smoking, drinking and changes in behavior. However, we are now seeing signs that it could affect a person’s oral health as well.

While the internet and computer games can often prove a necessary and important distraction, (I’m publishing this article on the internet) it is important that people, especially teens who are building lifelong habits, prioritize their health.  Brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is the most effective way they can keep their mouth clean and healthy and stay free of dental disease.

Further findings from the study revealed the longer teenagers spend on a computer, the more sugar they consume.  The amount and frequency of fizzy drinks, juices with added sugar and snacking all increased for those with more than three hours of computer time a day.

These adolescents were also more likely to skip breakfast and eat less fruit and vegetables.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children in the US and it is caused by having too much sugar.  The harm caused by sugar is clear to see.  It is resulting in thousands of children across the US having fillings, and in the worst cases, rotten teeth removed.  It’s a heart-breaking situation because the reality is that tooth decay is largely preventable.

By cutting out snacking and keeping sugar consumption to mealtimes, teeth are able to recover and are far less prone to tooth decay.  Replacing sugar with healthier options should also be highly encouraged. Fizzy drinks cause a real risk and should be replaced with milk or water as a tooth-friendly alternative.

In addition to educating your teens, encouraging brushing and flossing, and providing healthy foods and beverages for them to consume, we suggest the following:

1. Make sure your teens get a professional teeth cleaning at least every six months.

2. Have a yearly visit with the dentist, who can catch problems before they get out of hand.

3. Consider fluoride varnishes, which might be able to provide added protection.

Schedule an appointment for your teen today, either in our West Hartford Center dental office or New Britain dental office, and we’ll help your teen, and educate them, too.  We can be reached at 860-561-2121.

Keep smiling,

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121