Many people do not know but today is World No Tobacco Day, and as dental periodontist, it is a good day. Not only because smoking will end up causing various problems to your health, from lung cancer to heart conditions, but the damage it does to your mouth. Believe it or not, but the mouth is the first line of defense when it comes to your overall health, so taking care of it is extremely important. When you smoke cigarettes, you are breaking down your immune system, or the parts of your body that prevent infection. Not only does it break down your immune system, but it also kills the good bacteria in your mouth, allowing the disease-causing bacteria to invade, take hold and flourish.
Tobacco products damage your gums by affecting the way your teeth are attached to the bone and soft tissue. When this happens, your gums will begin to recede, giving bacteria access to the tooth’s roots. If left untreated, you will begin to lose your teeth.
Gum disease will affect most adults at some point in their lives. If you’re a smoker, you are raising those doubling those stakes than that of a non-smoker. And because smoking causes your blood vessels to shrink, it will also be more difficult to heal the gum disease you have developed over time.
We know it is difficult, but smoking is one habit that has so many adverse effects, it is important that you make an effort to quit. Not only will you improve your overall health, your smile will thank you for it. Keeping up with your oral health is necessary, so make sure you practice proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
If you would like more information about quitting smoking, call Dr. Peter O. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.
Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.