Worst Habits for Your Teeth

Worst Habits for Your Teeth

June 30, 2012

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One of the worst things you can do for your health and teeth is to smoke. It poses a lot of health risks. Smoking can increase your chances for cancer, lung disease and even heart disease. Most of the time we don’t talk about what smoking does to your oral health. There are some short-term treatment options available to smokers but over all the short-term and long term problems are very serious. Here is list from your Beaverton family dentist of choice, Dr .Scott R. Walker, on why smoking is bad for your oral health.

 

Smoking Stains Teeth

We find that patients who smoke in general, usually have darker and discolored teeth. This is because nicotine, the number one ingredient in cigarettes is combined with tar and other chemicals, which causes a discoloration of the natural tooth color. Many smokers have yellow or brown teeth. Over time the natural white tooth color is drastically faded due to the smoking. We can help you restore your natural tooth color. Dr. Scott R. Walker, a dentist in Beaverton, specializes in cosmetic and restorative services. If you want teeth whitening, visit us for a consultation.

Smoking Can Cause Bad Breath

Bad breath is also known as halitosis, the effect smoking has on your breath will often turn non-smokers away. Many times, people who smoke do not notice the smell but people around them will always notice. A dentist is often the first person to see the effects smoking has on your overall health. It always shows up in the mouth first.

Smoking Can Cause Dry Mouth

People who smoke usually have drier months then people who do not. Salvia normally helps remove unwanted food particles in the mouth. But when the mouth is dry this normal process cannot happen.

Smoking Can Cause Tooth Decay

Smoking can cause people to have a dry mouth, which will often lead to more plaque build up because the salvia flow can not work naturally.

Many smokers often experience long term effects of smoking such as periodontal gum disease. People who smoke have a higher chance of oral cancer.

If you are a smoker and have experienced any of these symptoms visit your dentist soon to help with these conditions.
There is still time to help your health. Quitting smoking and ending your habit will help you for many years to come. this combined with regular dental visits every 6 months will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.