Month: December 2018

Other than just giving birth to lung cancer, smoking also has a serious impact on our oral health. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco is one of the contributing factor leading to gum disease. Dental implant failure is also quite common among smokers. As per the reports by CDC, (Center for Disease Control), more than one-third of smokers have dental issues. It is very important to understand the harmful effects of smoking on your overall oral health.

Periodontal or Gum disease builds up when plaque targets the tissue that makes up gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and the cementum. The excess of chemicals found in cigarette smoke leads to throat, lung and oral cancers.

Smoking & Oral Health
On smoking cigarette, your teeth come in contact with toxins that are highly damaging and break down the strength of your teeth. The symptoms of the same include, bleeding gums, yellow teeth, tooth decay, dry mouth and so on. These symptoms can get even worse if you continue to smoke even after experiencing such issues. At an extreme level, smoking results in loss of tooth enamel, root canal or tooth loss.

Gum disease is quite common in smokers. The nicotine in cigarettes results in increased bacteria production, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to the gums. The symptoms are much like chronic dry mouth. It also constricts blood vessels, which means gums are less likely to bleed. This makes the condition even worse and also impossible for dentists to diagnose the real cause. Smoking leads to redness in gums, loose teeth, pus between teeth, bad breath, pain in chewing and so on.

Dental Hygiene Tips To Improve Oral Health
Quitting smoking is best than any other way to improve oral health. Below are some other tips that every smoker should follow to minimize the risk and complications of smoking on oral health.

1. Regular checkup with the dentist is a very common practice you must follow. They can also benefit from professional cleanings by being a part of regular dentist visits. Other than this, they should also focus on brushing, flossing, using a tongue cleaner and mouthwash on daily basis.

2. Having the right toothbrush is something smokers overlook but it is the biggest area of concern. Smokers must use a toothbrush that is strong enough to be able to tackle issues like stained teeth.

3. The toothbrush you choose should be able to reach all corners, including the back of gums. Smokers should also be wise enough in choosing the right toothpaste.

These are some quick tips. If you feel we have missed out on something, please feel free to share. If you wish to have healthy teeth and gums, make sure to take care of them. So, before it gets too late, get in touch with our San Antonio Dentist who will suggest you an ideal solution.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Tooth decay is a problematic and painful situation that ultimately lands you up in trouble. If you are someone who is suffering from tooth decay, you will be at an increased risk of experiencing gum disease and other complex dental issues. So, if you are taking your oral health for granted, trust me, you are committing the biggest mistake. To help you take control of your oral health, here are top 10 important things you can do to prevent cavities.

Keep yourself hydrated

Water is the most essential component for the health of your body and teeth. The Fluoride quantity in water is very important to build strong teeth. There are other useful minerals found that flushes away the bacteria and keeps your mouth hydrated.

Brush regularly

Brushing is an ideal way to get rid of cavities. Brushing after the meal and before bed keeps bacteria and plaque away. If you skip brushing before going to the bed, it will result in bacteria lingering on your teeth overnight and allowing enamel-damaging acid to form. Similarly, using an antibacterial mouthwash also cleans away the bacteria from your mouth, thereby leading to a fresh breath.

Stop taking cavity-causing sugar

Sweeteners, candy, tinned fruits, alcohol and fruit juices contain large quantity of sugar that is not only bad for your health but also teeth. Try and limit the use of refined sugar you use in your diet and make sure to brush your teeth afterward.

Get a dental sealant

Sealants are recommended for all school-aged children but can be used by adults too. They are protective, plastic coating that seals off the crannies of teeth where food and bacteria get accumulated. Dental sealants are placed at the back of chewing surface of teeth. They last up to 10 years before getting replaced.

Quit smoking

Smoking is not only bad for your health but also teeth and gums. It stains your teeth and is bad for teeth and gums. Patients have also experienced gum decay, disease, infection, and tooth loss in the latter stages. Your gums are also at risk as smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Floss daily

Flossing removes the food debris between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. If food debris is not removed, the bacteria will start feeding on it and results in bad breath.

Stick to tooth-friendly foods

Diet is crucial not only for a healthy body but also for a healthy smile. Foods that stuck in between your teeth for longer time period promotes tooth decay. Processed sugary foods should also be avoided. Instead, go for fresh fruits and vegetables as they help to increase saliva flow and remineralize tooth enamel.

Go for cavity-fighting toothpaste

With so many types of toothpaste available in the market, it becomes difficult to spot the best one. You need to make sure that you use a fluoride-based toothpaste as it is best for your oral care. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. For patients with weak teeth, a high fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended.

Following a preventative plan is the first step towards maintaining a healthy smile. With the help of these tips, you will easily be able to maintain the health of your teeth in the long run. For any additional tips, you can get in touch with our Dentist San Antonio Texas who are here to offer the best recommendation.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.