What are the oral consequences of smoking or chewing tobacco?

Can diabetes affect my mouth?

How does nutrition affect my mouth?

What is the connection between heart disease and gum disease?

ORAL DISEASES CAUSED BY SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO:

Gum Disease ( Periodontal Disease):  The Center for Disease Control ( CDC) found that those who smoke more than 1/2 a pack a day were 6 times as likely to develop gum disease.  Even casual smokers who smoke less than this are 3 times more likely to develop gum disease.

Cancer: The toxic components of tobacco have long shown to cause cancer, including oral cancer.  If you use tobacco, it is even more imperative to visit dental professionals regularly so that they may perform head and neck examinations which help in the early detection of oral cancers. Chewing tobacco can cause gum recession, loss of supporting bone and tooth loss. Chew is an extreme irritant of the tissues it contacts. Rough feeling tissue with red and white patches ( leukoplakia) may occur.  Leukoplakia is a known precursor to oral cancer.

Bad Breath ( Halitosis)

Stained Teeth:  The materials in tobacco products easily find their way into every crevice, groove or irregularity in your teeth. The residue left on the teeth attract other staining compounds you eat and drink with the result being brown and yellow stains throughout.  This sticky residue is then extremely difficult for you to control with a toothbrush and floss.  Quite often, professional cleanings are required on a more frequent basis to control the sticky residue and staining effects. The sticky residue increases the buildup of plaque which in turns allows the thriving of bacteria that cause damage to teeth and gums.

Canker Sores (Apthous Ulcers):  Tobacco products are irritants to the tissues in your mouth.  When the tissues are frequently irritated, the potential for experiencing painful red ulcers increase dramatically.

Loss of Taste: Tobacco products tend to interfere with the function of your taste buds located on your tongue. This ultimately results in a decrease in your ability to taste all the foods you love.

Failure of Dental Implants: The toxic effects of smoking alters the supporting structures of teeth and gums as described in periodontal disease described above.   Dental Implants require healthy bone and tissue to maintain success.  Anything toxic to the bone and tissues resulting in unhealthy supporting elements may cause the implant to have less than ideal strength leading ultimately to dental implant failure.

DIABETES AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH

An alarming number of people are being diagnosed every year with diabetes and a majority of people with diabetes have been found to have gum disease ( periodontal disease).  Having diabetes increases the susceptibility to infection which may be why gum disease ( gum infection) is so prevalent. It is extremely important that a person with diabetes recognizes the signs of oral infection because the infection can worsen quickly.  Because gum disease ( periodontal infection) tends to be silent and without symptoms until advanced, we recommend frequent monitoring of your oral health if you have diabetes. At White Orchid Dental, we commit to monitoring the health of your gums and tooth supporting structures.  We will recommend methods to help you maintain optimum oral health which in turn will benefit your overall health.

ORAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOOD NUTRITION

We have heard it all before, right? Eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and your body in turn will have the best chance of looking good and of course then you feel your best.  The health of your teeth and gums also benefit from good nutrition.  Sound nutritional habits are important at any age.

What foods will help build a healthy mouth?

Think of the foods you have heard build strong muscles and bones!

Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, & milk are beneficial with three servings a day. Dairy is a great source of Vitamin D and phosphorus. High Fiber, whole grain bread & cereals are a source of vitamin B . Five to six servings a day of fruits and vegetables supply many nutrients which fight gum disease. Fish & lean meats are a source of iron and protein. 

Any carbohydrate you eat also feeds the bacteria in plaque (the sticky layer that forms on teeth) but carbohydrates that stick to your teeth such as chewy candies, dried fruit, & sugar chewing gum continue to feed the bacteria long after you have finished eating.  The more frequently you eat carbohydrate snacks , the more you are helping the harmful bacteria. Habitually drinking a sugar filled soda is a sure way to damage your teeth and gums. Fruit juices can have just as much sugar as sodas.  Don't allow your children to suck on a bottle filled with sugary products because it can lead to severe damage to their teeth ( Bottle mouth caries). The bacteria living in this plaque release acids which damage teeth and gums by causing dental cavities ( caries) and gum disease ( periodontal disease-a primary reason for tooth loss). 

We recommend eating with a focus on good nutrition and in moderation. Reduce the number of carbohydrate snacks eaten in a day, avoid sticky carbohydrates, sodas, hard candies or slowly sipping sweetened drinks.  Most importantly, try to brush and floss after eating and drink water to help reduce plaque buildup and to wash away foods that have stuck to your teeth.

Good nutrition enhances your immune system. 

A healthy immune system is imperative for maintaining healthy gums. 

Heart Disease and its association with gum disease: