Is Smoking Detrimental To The Health Of Your Teeth?

May 25th, 2023
Easton Dentists Jul 13th, 2023

By now, it is no secret that smoking can lead to serious health problems such as lung and throat cancer, but did you know that tobacco use can also have a huge impact on your oral health? Using tobacco of any kind, whether it be chewing, cigarettes, or smoking from a pipe, can create nearly irreversible effects on your oral health.

Some common problems associated with smoking and your oral health include bone loss, gum disease, plaque and tartar buildup, halitosis, and the notorious discoloration, “yellowing” of the teeth. These issues may result in the need for dental insurance, or asking about company plans. These are just some of the many effects smoking has on your teeth.


Gum Disease

Smoking effects the gums by inhibiting the regular functions of the gum tissues, as well as affects the bone attachment and soft tissues in the mouth. Over time the blood flow responsible for healing will become impaired and the mouth will become more amenable to infections. All of these issues combined makes smokers more susceptible to periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”


Oral Cancer

It is estimated that 35,000 patients will be diagnosed with some form of oral cancer in the United States. The odds of developing cancer is stacked against tobacco users, with an estimated 90% of oral cancer patients having been regular tobacco users (whether from pipes, cigarettes, cigars, or other smoking apparatuses.) In fact, statistics from the American Cancer Society show that smokers are 6 times more likely to develop cancer of the tongue, mouth, lips, or throat, than that of a non-smoker.


Issues with Dental Procedures

Not only does smoking make your teeth look bad, it also effects your recovery from dental procedures. This happens because of the weakened healing capabilities, causing an extended recovery time post-surgery. Persistent smoking can also lead to repeated tooth decay and complete loss of teeth.


Smokeless Tobacco

Those hoping to curb these oral health issues by using smokeless tobacco should know that they are still at risk. Smokeless tobacco products contain many chemicals that affect the esophagus, mouth, and throat, and may cause receding of the gums.

Protect your mouth against disease and unwanted issues by maintaining good oral health, brushing and flossing daily, having regular dental checkups, and conquering the habit of tobacco use.

If you feel that smoking may have damaged your teeth beyond repair, call Easton Dental Center in Columbus OH. Maybe it is not as bad as you think?

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Why Is The Condition of Your Tooth Enamel Important?

May 25th, 2023
Easton Dentists Jul 13th, 2023

 

Enamel, which is the hard mineral-rich outer layer of your teeth, is the number one defense against tooth decay.  Unfortunately over time, enamel can be eroded by acid, which is found in food, drinks, and bacterial plaque.  As enamel erodes, your teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay.  When acid levels rise, calcium in enamel becomes soft which is called de-mineralization.  Your mouth can counteract this process with salvia.  Saliva has the ability to neutralize acid and the calcium within saliva helps bind to your teeth to help replace the lost enamel.  This is a process known as re-mineralization.

If there is too much acid in your mouth, saliva is not able to neutralize the effects.  Drinks that contain high citric acid such as soda and sports drinks can be very damaging to enamel.  Not only are these drinks high in acid, they also have a high buffering capacity that slows down the neutralizing effect of saliva.  Although brushing your teeth after drinking highly acidic beverages seems like a way to protect enamel, it can actually have a counter effect if done to promptly.  Acid found in food or drink softens the enamel and if you brush your teeth too quickly, the brushing can essentially brush away some of your enamel.

There are several methods in maintaining a healthy pH balance in your mouth.  The most effective way is to limit the amount of acidic food or drinks you consume.  If you decide to drink acidic drinks, use a straw in efforts to reduce the amount of time the acid is in contact with your teeth.  Also try and drink these during your mealtime.  The final step is to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after drinking or eating something acidic before brushing your teeth.  Because tooth enamel is the main component in maintaining healthy teeth, keeping your enamel strong is the best way to keep your teeth from decay.

To ensure your tooth enamel is intact with proper dental care consult The Dental Center at Easton today!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Facts, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene | No Comments »