subject: Quit Smoking Now To Prevent Serious Oral Health Consequences [print this page] The American Dental Association (ADA) has long been a leader in the battle against tobacco-related disease. They have been working to educate the public about the continual dangers inherent in tobacco use and encouraging dentists to help their patients break the cycle of addiction. If you quit now, you can increase your oral health as well as your overall health. Studies have found that tobacco use may be one of the biggest risk factors in the development of periodontal disease. Now, with knowing these risks, don't you think that you should quit smoking or not even start the habit? It is best to never start smoking, but if you have already begun, quit as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your teeth or gums.
What if I am a Smoker?
If you are a smoker, your dental care needs are considerably more demanding than those of a non-smoker. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of tooth loss and also increases your risk for periodontal disease, loss of bone structure, inflammation of the salivary gland, leukoplakia and development of lung, throat or oral cancer.
Additionally, other factors for smokers to consider are:
*A consistent build-up of plaque and tartar
*Stained teeth
*Bad breath
*The loss of taste and smell
With the decreased flow of saliva in smokers, they have been shown to have more tartar build-up than non-smokers. Smoking tobacco products can make gum disease worsen more quickly. In several studies, smokers were three to six times more likely to have gum destruction than non-smokers and severe bone loss was five times greater among current or former heavy smokers.
What is Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that destroys soft tissue and bone that anchor your teeth to your jawbones. Bacteria grow in the dental plaque that forms in the pockets around your teeth, causing your body's reaction to the plaque to the breakdown of soft tissue and bone.
Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque, which is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus or tartar. Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and breakdown the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria.
As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper, and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth will eventually fall out or require extraction. Some signs of gum disease include:
*Red, swollen or tender gums
* Bleeding while brushing or flossing
*Gums that pull away from teeth
*Loose or separating teeth
*Pus between the gum and tooth
*Persistent bad breath
*A change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites
*A change in the fit of dentures
If you are a smoker, it is very important to either quit or frequent your dentist more often. Regular visits to your dentist will allow your dentist to monitor the progress of your teeth and recommend any treatments to protect your teeth. As a smoker your teeth are highly susceptible to various oral health problems and diseases. Only your dentist can help you prevent periodontal disease and other diseases, but it is very important to quit smoking as well. Your oral health and overall health will depend on it.
