Dental Problems Associated with Smoking
* greatly increases the risk for oral cancer, a disease that progresses rapidly and can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated early.
* increases the risk of gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
* (smoking in particular) can slow down healing after oral surgery procedures, such as having a tooth pulled.
* can damage gum tissue and cause receding gums, leaving the roots of the teeth exposed. This could increase the risk of tooth decay and cause hot/cold sensitivity.
* can cause bad breath.
* causes stains on teeth that can’t be removed with regular brushing.
* can cause a build up of tartar, which could require you to get more frequent dental cleanings.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be caused by many factors including poor oral hygiene, particular foods, underlying dental or medical conditions, dry mouth and certain lifestyle changes and choices.
Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of bad breath. Bacteria from food particles that remain on or in between the teeth can become rotten and emit a foul smell. Flossing daily and brushing twice a day can prevent this from happening.
Strong and spicy foods can also cause bad breath. This is because the odor from these foods is expelled from our lungs after the foods are absorbed into the bloodstream.
According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath (also known as halitosis) have a dental condition that is to blame. These conditions could be one or more of the following:
# Poor oral hygiene
# Gum disease
# Cavities
# Oral cancer
# Dry mouth (xerostomia)
# Bacteria on the tongue
It is important to rule out any medical or dental problems for chronic bad breath. If bad breath is the cause of a dental condition, mouthwash will only mask the odor and not cure it.
Lifestyle changes and choices are also contributing factors for bad breath, especially with teens. Tobacco use, eating disorders and braces are some examples of these changes and choices.
How Often to Brush Your Teeth?
Most of us learned to brush our teeth as children and have been been brushing the same way into adulthood. Brushing your teeth properly is essential in removing plaque. You will need an adult-sized toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride.But how often to brush the teeth?
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque which causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease.
Always use a soft bristled toothbrush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure that the toothbrush fits inside of your mouth so that you can easily reach all areas. When brushing, use gentle back and forth strokes, brushing all sides of the teeth. Always brush your tongue to remove any bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Top 10 Reasons to Have a Dental Cleaning
Good oral hygiene is important, not only for looks, but for general health as well. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent dental problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.
1. To Prevent Oral Cancer
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.
2. To Prevent Gum Disease
Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.
3. To Help Maintain Good Physical Health
A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
4. To Keep Your Teeth
Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check ups and cleanings,brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.
5. To Detect Dental Problems Early
Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.
6. To Maintain Good Oral Health
Your dental hygienist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path.
7. To Use Your Dental Insurance Plan
Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene.
8. To Create a Treatment Plan
If your dentist diagnoses any problems in your mouth, he /she will most likely give you a treatment plan. This treatment plan should have the cost of each procedure that you will need, so that you can discuss financial arrangements with the front office.
9. To Have a Bright and White Smile
Your dental hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your hygienist will also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile!
10. To Prevent Bad Breath
Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.
What Is The Treatment Of Plaque-associated Gum Disease?
If you have gingivitis
The measures described above to prevent gum disease will often clear mild gingivitis. If gingivitis is more severe, in addition your dentist or doctor may advise an antiseptic mouthwash (and/or antiseptic toothpaste, gel, or spray). These help to kill bacteria in the mouth and help to clear up any gum infection.
Chlorhexidine is a commonly used antiseptic mouthwash. If you are advised to use chlorhexidine, you should rinse your mouth well with water between brushing your teeth and using chlorhexidine. This is because some ingredients in toothpaste can inactivate chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine may also stain teeth brown when used regularly. This staining is likely to need to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Staining can be reduced by:
* Brushing teeth before (but not after) using the chlorhexidine.
* Avoiding drinks that contain tannin within 2-3 hours of using chlorhexidine (for example, tea, coffee, and red wine).
* Using the 1.2% solution instead of higher strength solutions.
If you have periodontitis
You should see a dentist. In addition to the measures described above to treat gingivitis you may need specialist dental treatment. Various procedures may be done, depending on the severity of the condition and other factors. For example, in one procedure a dentist may clean a ‘pocket’ next to a tooth where infection is present. Following this, a dentist may smooth out the surface of the tooth next to the gum. This helps the gum to close back onto the tooth, and for any ‘pocket’ to disappear.
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