Charmaine Johnson DDS Premier Smile Center

Smoking is one of the hardest habits to kick! Cigarette smoke has 7,000 chemicals with more than 70 of which can cause cancer. Smoking will also be the cause of one out of three of all cancer deaths and can cause oral health problems and gum disease.

The hookah pipe was introduced in the 1500s in the Mideast. Tobacco is heated and the smoke passes through the tobacco to water, which bubbles into a vapor that users inhale. Unfortunately, the common perception is that the water in the hookah will filter out harmful chemicals. In reality, during a one-hour hookah session a person inhales as much smoke as 100 cigarettes.  

The electronic cigarette

There has been great debate as to the efficacy of these products as a tobacco cessation aid as well as its safety. In addition, there is also the fear that this product may entice young people to use it, and then go on to using more dangerous tobacco products, given the sky rocketing rise in the prevalence of its use in middle and high school students. 

Impact on Oral Health

Tobacco use is associated with many oral pathologies including cleft lip and palate formation, dental caries, periodontal diseases, implant failure, and oral cancer.

Dental Caries 

There is a higher incidence of dental caries seen in those using tobacco products as there is an increased acidity seen in the oral cavity.

Gum Disease

Smoking decreases the blood supply to the gum tissue and thus increases your risk for gum disease. In addition, it was also demonstrated that quitting smoking reduced the risk of periodontitis. 

Dental Implants 

Smoking is a risk factor for the destruction of soft and hard tissue that supports the teeth, it is agreed that smoking increases the risk of dental implant failure due to a decrease in blood flow to the bone and gums. 

Oral Cancer 

The risk of developing oral cancer is much greater in tobacco users than in non-users as approximately 75% of all people getting oral cancer use tobacco. The combination of tobacco and alcohol use increases the odds even further. 

Cessation Approaches 

Many people have tried quitting smoking with some success, whether its usings patches, lozenges, gum, medication. A word of caution about electronic cigarettes though is that it may help reduce the amount of harmful effects of the smoke from cigarettes, but studies have shown that the concentration of nicotine is higher and causes more of an addiction to the nicotine. In addition, the concentration is not well quantified depending on where you may purchase the products from.

If you’ve kicked the smoking habit, then why not reward yourself with a teeth whitening procedure?  Schedule a consultation with Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Charmaine Johnson at the Premier Smile Center.

What is tooth decay and how does it form?

A cavity, or decay, begins with the buildup of plaque and bacteria on your tooth, creating acid, which then breaks down the hard surface of your teeth, aka enamel.  Once the acid breaks through this outside layer, the decay spreads faster into the softer inner layer of the tooth, aka dentin.  If decay is left untreated, it can spread further into the tooth root and infect the nerve.

What happens if tooth decay is not removed?

Decay starts on the outside of the tooth, in the enamel, where there are no nerve endings, so you may not feel any pain or sensitivity at this point.  As decay progresses and gets deeper, you may notice cold or sweet sensitivity.  If it continues further, the sensitivity can be persistent and if it reaches the pulp and causes nerve infection, can cause major toothache!

External damage to the tooth from decay includes cracking or fracture lines, potentially beneath the gum-line and along the root of the tooth.  This could ultimately lead to you losing the tooth!  This is why it is important to detect cavities early to prevent these consequences. 

How are cavities treated and what is the best prevention?

Enamel and dentin decay is removed under local anesthesia and a tooth colored resin filling is permanently placed.  If the decay is deep into the nerve, other treatment options may be required including root canal and/or crown depending on the extent of the decay.

Oral hygiene prevention such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and avoiding sugary treats (clean your teeth if you do indulge), combined with regular checkups to your dentist equal a great chance for a healthy mouth with no cavities, which will also help to minimize your risk of tooth loss. 

Are you ready to take care of your cavity with a tooth-colored filling. Call Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale to schedule your next dental appointment. 

Every year we are faced with the flu season and believe it or not, a recent review from the Journal of Dental Hygiene reviews how some bacteria in the mouth can add to this problem.