The surgeon general announced findings over forty years ago that smoking is hazardous to your health. Over four decades later, research has proven the findings that tobacco use is dangerous for general overall health. But if these warnings have not been sufficient enough to make you quit, maybe hearing what your periodontist says about the perils of tobacco use and your teeth might change your mind.
A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the treatment of gum diseases. Gum disease can happen to anyone, but using tobacco in any form increases the likelihood that problems associated with your oral health are looming.
Gum disease can happen to anyone, but using tobacco in any form increases the likelihood that problems associated with your oral health are looming.
Research has revealed that smokers are more likely to suffer heart attack and stroke than non-smokers; but did you know that smokers also are more likely to lose their permanent teeth? Tobacco use promotes plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on the teeth and at the gum line. Bacteria gravitate to this sticky plaque and builds up over time.
Once the plaque has hardened on teeth, calculus forms. The only way to remove calculus is through a professional cleaning with your dental provider. Imagine the tar and nicotine and how much bacteria is introduced into your mouth through tobacco use to promote the build-up of plaque.
Plaque that is allowed to grow will move beneath the gum line. As the plaque pushes against the teeth, small pockets start to form at the base of the teeth. Over time these pockets can grow. When this happens, you have developed gum problems that need immediate attention.
Your periodontist can get you back on the road to good oral health. A deep cleaning referred to as root planing and scaling will remove the plaque that caused the pockets to form at the gum line. But if you continue using tobacco, healing this gum tissue becomes more difficult. And if healing does not take place, the result may be tooth loss.
Tobacco use in any form is unwise. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco all pose the same threats. Even your appearance is affected by tobacco use. Stained teeth, bad breath and that telltale wrinkle around your mouth are all cosmetic effects from tobacco use. Oral cancer and tooth loss are possible as well. There are no positive redeeming factors from tobacco use – save your health and teeth by quitting today!
For more information and to schedule a consultation, contact the Dallas Periodontics and Implant Dentistry office of Dr. Beth Tomlin.