Quit Smoking for Your Dental Health

Are you longing for one more reason to quit smoking? Other than taking care of your overall health, keeping your teeth intact should be one to add to the list.

 

Symptoms Caused by Smoking

 

There are many ailments that smokers tend to suffer from on a regular basis. Some of these include:

 

• Periodontal or gum disease

• Bad breath

• Inflammation of the salivary glands

• Tooth discoloration

• Increased buildup of plaque and tartar 

• White patches in the mouth

• Increased loss of bone 

• Delayed healing of dental procedures

• Lower success rate of dental implant procedures

• Oral cancer

 

In extreme cases, smokers will suffer from serious periodontal diseases. This infection invades the tissue that supports the teeth. Once this goes untreated, the tooth that is affected will lose support and fall out.

 

How About Pipes and Cigars?

 

Just like cigarettes, pipes and cigars can lead to oral health problems as well. Cigar smokers can suffer from tooth and bone loss at the same rate as cigarette smokers. Pipe and cigar smokers are also at risk for various mouth cancers.

In addition, some ailments that can be suffered include bad breath and increased risk of gum disease.

Ways to Quit Smoking

 

The time has come to say goodbye to this habit that is destroying your body and your teeth. Here are some steps you can take to quit once and for all.

 

• Nicotine gum and patches

• Prescription drugs to curb desire

• Smoking cessation classes

• Support groups

• Therapy

• Chewing sugarless gum

• Snacking on healthy foods like vegetables

• Taking up a new hobby like sewing

 

After you quit smoking, the dentist can help you to perfect that new smile. You can take part in teeth whitening procedures to remove those stains caused by smoking. In addition, there are procedures to help with any existing gum disease that was caused by your bad habit.

 

Be sure you call your Hewlett, NY cosmetic dentist and make an appointment today. You can discuss ways to quit smoking as well as prepare a plan for after your achieved success. Looking forward to achieving a white smile again might be the motivation you need to change your life.