The Con’s Of Smoking For Your Mouth

   Once you have periodontal disease Dr. Rice will recommend a type of treatment in order to treat the bacteria that is destroying your healthy smile. However, when you smoke your gums and teeth are continually exposed to detrimental chemicals that damage your tissues.

While you’ve heard the risk factors of smoking before, current research supports that along with causing cancer and other health problems it also can decrease your chance of successful periodontal treatment.

While you and your periodontist are working hard to treat your gum disease, if you continue to smoke you’re also continuing to re-expose your gums to the chemicals that are contributing to the problem in the first place.  A risk of periodontal disease is five to twenty times more likely if you smoke.  Cigarettes contain nicotine and carbon monoxide and both chemicals, according to Dr. Denine Rice, “Cause a problem for wound care.”  Unfortunately, the negatives don’t stop there. Smoking increases the severity of your periodontal disease. With an increased chance of loosing more teeth then if you didn’t smoke.

Periodontal disease impacts your body, smile and your overall quality of life because you are constantly fighting inflammation in the body. The New Year is here and it’s time for a new You! Start today with periodontal treatment and a smoking cessation program.