Periodontist - Periodontal disease and tobacco smoking in General Dentistry

Dentists and Periodontists say 'Kick the Habit'!

If you need to see a periodontist and you smoke, it’s time to quit the habit. It isn’t just lung and heart disease that you’re more at risk from if you smoke cigarettes. Research has shown a link between smoking and gum disease. More than that - if you are receiving periodontal therapy or surgery as a result of gum disease and you smoke, you reduce the chances of prompt healing and recovery.

Dentists and periodontists say ‘Quit First’

The Journal of Periodontology reported that smokers should quit before they undergo oral surgery with their periodontist because the body’s defence mechanism is weakened in smokers having a direct impact on the healing response.

Enzymes increase periodontitis

Smoking releases enzymes that can increase periodontitis – the bacterial infection of gums, bones and the attachment fibres that support the teeth. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways you can start to improve your oral health.

Advice of Periodontist

Some periodontists advice is to increase brushing and flossing – this can help reduce the urge to smoke, as feeling and smelling clean and fresh is more appealing than your mouth feeling and smelling like an ashtray. It’s a simple thing, but it could help prevent you from having to see you periodontist, as well as improve your overall health.

The risks

It’s common that smokers are aware of the risks of lung and heart disease, but more smokers need to be aware of the oral health implications. Periodontal disease is specific threat to smokers. Smokers are more likely to need a periodontist and suffer:• Calculus or plaque that can only be removed by a professional, if it’s not removed, the bacteria can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and leave pockets of disease-causing bacteria• Deep pockets between teeth and gums• Loss of bone and tissue that support teeth• If untreated, gum disease can destroy supporting tissue and bone and can even result in your teeth falling out.

Tobacco can also cause:

• Discolouration of teeth• Increase the risk of oral cancer• Bad breath and loss of taste• Gum recession, mouth sores and facial wrinkling

Save your smile – Visit a Periodontist

If you want to save your smile, you should quit smoking. Smokers loose more teeth than non smokers – studies in America show that over 40% of daily smokers aged over 65 are toothless. A periodontist may save your teeth or offer teeth implants, but if you smoke – for the sake of your teeth as well as your heart and lungs – it’s definitely time to quit.The Mermaid Dental Clinic offers a full range of dental services including periodontist work. With great patient care, the clinic offers the latest technology for painless and superior results. Situated in the West End, the heart of London, we are trained and equipped to treat every aspect of your dental needs with professionalism and expertise. You can make an appointment by calling 0207 580 1001.

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