Smoking and Periodontal (Gum) Disease

There’s no doubt that smoking wreaks havoc on the health of many individuals in the United States, while reports claim that 40 million continue to smoke. Chances are, when one thinks about the particular diseases caused by smoking, lung cancer and emphysema top the list. This is because most do not realize that over half of those with periodontal (gum) disease are smokers. While this is certainly eye opening, it also proves that smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death. Though the high addiction rate of smoking plays a role in how many continue, dental professionals are devoting more time to patient education in hopes that individuals commit to stop smoking.

In the development of periodontal disease, smoking is one of the greatest contributors. This is because smoking decreases the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is critical to washing away the bacteria and food particles responsible for breeding infection and cavities. When plaque is not washed away or removed properly, it hardens into tartar, or calculus. In essence, smokers are said to have more calculus than nonsmokers. As calculus continues to sit on gums, it eats away at tissues, forming pockets around teeth. As one continues to smoke and calculus is not removed, the tissue damage deepens and ultimately results in the destruction of the tooth’s root. Teeth may loosen and fall out. It’s important to understand that once the process of tooth decay begins, smoking accelerates it.

If there’s any good news regarding smoking and oral health, it’s that there is hope for those who quit. In fact, those that give up smoking and commit to good oral care not only improve the condition of their gums, but they can slow the progression of gum disease.

Dr. Patel and the team at Lawrenceville Family Dental Care are dedicated to dental excellence, whether it’s a simple cleaning, restorative treatment, or full smile reconstruction. This also means that we will provide you with all of the information necessary to help improve your oral and overall health.

When it comes to smoking, we know that gum disease is often painless, and smokers may not know that they are at risk. This is why we encourage you to call us today. Our team has the resources to help you achieve greater oral health that will improve your life, all the way around.

Posted on behalf of Lawrenceville Family Dental Care