Periodontist - Gum disease and tobacco smoking in General Dentistry

We often hear about the damage of cigarette smoking but your local dentist or a periodontist should warn you about the evils of pipe and cigar smoke too. We constantly hear about the threat and damage cigarettes can do to our health and smokers are aware of the fact that it can cause terrible discolouration to their teeth. But cigar smoking is a habit that often is considered trendy amongst the affluent. Cigar smoking is often associated with success – a cigar is often used to mark a celebration or achievement. But as any dentist or periodontist should tell you, cigar smoking isn’t so trendy or successful when you see the missing teeth it can cause. Studies show high risk if you smoke tobacco: Studies have shown that more cigar smokers might need to visit their periodontist and cigar and pipe smoking has nearly the same adverse effects on oral and periodontal health and tooth loss as cigarette smoking.

If you smoke and have gum disease, it’s time to visit your dentist or a periodontist

Researchers in America did a study, published in the Journal of Periodontology on the impact of cigar and pipe smoking. Studies showed that 17.6% of cigar and pipe smokers or previous cigar and pipe smokers had moderate to severe periodontitis – treble that of non-smokers. How to prevent tooth loss. But not everybody was aware that they needed to see a dentist or specialist periodontist to try and help prevent tooth loss. The research showed however that the smokers certainly need to book an appointment with their dentist or a periodontist – those who suffered from gum disease had an average of four missing teeth. The research showed a direct link to the number of missing teeth and the tobacco intake. In the report, the people who suffered from periodontitis and needed specialist care from a skilled dentist or a periodontist showed that:
• Current smokers had an average 5.1 missing teeth
• Former smokers had an average 3.9 missing teeth
• Non smokers had an average 2.8 missing teeth

Book an appointment with your local dentist or a periodontist if you have gum disease

If you are worried about smoking, gum disease and oral health you should book an appointment with a skilled dentist or a periodontist as soon as you can. Smoking cessation is of course the solution to protecting yourself against tooth loss. Although it is clearly difficult to stop the tobacco habit, perhaps the thought of a toothless smile is enough of a motivation for smokers to quit. Your periodontist can help educate you on the risks of tobacco on oral health.

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