Absolute dental health

Smoking-your gums up in smoke?
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as mouth cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

How does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:

Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning with a hygienist.

Deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress.The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.

Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, only about 20% of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 % of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

In addition, research shows that current smokers don't heal as well as former smokers or nonsmokers.

But these effects are reversible if the smokers manage to give up.

At Absolute Dental the health of the lining of the mouth is screened for abnormalities at every dental health assessment we also reinforce the importance of self awareness by our patients.
For more information on giving up smoking please go to http://www.smokefree.nhs.uk/ or visit your GP.

Written by Kelly