West:
West:
Smoking is widely recognized as a bad habit due to the adverse effects it has on the body. Many people know the consequences such as lung diseases and cancer of the blood, liver, kidney, and other areas of the body. However, people still smoke despite these warnings.
Smoking can also create a variety of oral health issues, including stained teeth, oral cancer, and gum disease. For the smokers out there, quitting should be at the top of your new year’s resolutions list. When you stop smoking, you are committing to your overall well-being.
One of the most common causes of gum or periodontal disease is smoking. It is an oral ailment that infects the gums, bones, and teeth in the mouth. It is generally caused by plaque build-up on teeth. Plaque accumulates around the gum line and makes its way under the gums.
When left untreated, gums become red and inflamed, and they may even bleed. Over time, the gums start to retract away from the teeth toward the jaw, causing open pockets that are more susceptible to the collection of plaque bacteria.
Once an infection ensues from the build-up of bacterial contaminants, the body begins to use its defense mechanisms. As time progresses and positive changes aren’t made, symptoms of periodontal disease will persist. The body’s defenses will lose the fight, and bones, gums, and tissue will lose stability.
Related Article: Perio Disease: Treating a Creeping Problem – Gum Disease
Despite what many people think, smoking can have a pervasive impact on teeth and the onset of gum disease. That is because smoking negatively affects the body’s immune system. High concentrations of tar and other chemicals found in cigarettes limit the circulation of blood to infected areas of the body. As a result, the body becomes powerless against infections. Not only will your body struggle to fight ongoing infections, but it will also be vulnerable to new oral health issues if you don’t stop smoking.
Related Article: Dangers of Vaping: Pros and Cons of Vaping as Opposed to Smoking
The truth is, if you are a smoker, the best prevention method is quitting. Those who smoke have twice the risk for gum disease in comparison to those who do not smoke.
In addition to quitting, you can implement new habits to maintain your oral health. You should be brushing twice a day and flossing to remove food debris and plaque. Also, you need to see the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. Two visits a year should suffice unless you’re dealing with another significant health concern.
Related Article: Why You Need to Have Two Dental Appointments Each Year
At our dental offices, we believe in offering exceptional dental care to our patients, and we encourage our patients to practice good dental care at home. If you’re concerned about your oral health as a smoker, the best thing you can do is stop smoking. Contact Adams Dental Group to see how we can help you. For more information on our services, we encourage you to reach out to our team.
Local dentist, Travis A. Roberts and his experienced, friendly team at Adams Dental Group offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Kansas City, KS area. We have two locations that are conveniently located and offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Adams Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to restorative procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at our West location (913) 296-8030 or our East location (913) 621-3113 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS January 8th, 2019
Posted In: Periodontal | Gum Disease
Tags: gum disease, perio, periodontal disease, stop smoking
