Smokers at Higher Risk of Losing Teeth

Yet another study has a confirmed that regular smokers have a significantly higher risk of losing teeth. This latest study was published in the Journal of Dental Research and was carried out by researchers in the UK and in Germany. It found that male smokers were up to 3.6 times more likely to losing teeth compared to non-smokers. The figures for female smokers were slightly better, but women are still 2.5 times more likely to losing teeth than non-smokers.

Risk of losing teeth is a major worldwide problem and globally around 30% of the 65 to 74-year-olds have lost all their natural teeth. The lead researcher in this latest study pointed out that the majority of teeth will be lost as a result of tooth decay or chronic gum disease, a condition called periodontitis and smoking is a particular risk factor for periodontitis. This can explain why smokers are far more at risk of losing teeth compared to non-smokers.

 

Losing Teeth Risk and Smoking Affects

One of the key problems with smoking is that it can hide the early symptoms of gum disease. Non-smokers with gum disease or gingivitis will tend to notice their gums bleed more readily whenever they brush or floss but this isn’t the case with smokers. In fact smokers may find that gums don’t bleed at all, leading them to believe that that gums are actually healthier than they really are. This is because nicotine constricts the blood vessels so gums are less likely to bleed. Another problem with smoking is that this constriction of blood vessels makes it harder for the body to fight any gum infection. It will be less able to carry away toxins from the gums and to transport essential nutrients to the gums to help them heal.

The good news is that quitting smoking can reduce this risk factor quite quickly. Giving up for good can mean that after 10 years an ex-smoker will have the same risk of losing teeth as someone who has never smoked.

 

Periodontal Evaluation to Keep Your Gums Healthy

If you currently smoke and are finding it hard to quit or don’t wish to stop smoking, you can still take action to keep your gums as healthy as possible. One way to do so is to book a yearly periodontal evaluation with Manhattan Periodontics & Implants Surgery in Midtown, Manhattan NYC. A regular periodontal evaluation will enable Dr. Navid Rahmani to assess the overall health of your gum tissue and other associated structures holding your teeth in position such as the ligaments and bone.

 

Why Visit a Periodontist Upper East Side?

One of the huge advantages of visiting a periodontist is that treatment is far more specialized as Dr. Rahmani has advanced training in treating gums and can provide you with the latest and best procedures for mild or advanced gum disease, including the very latest laser dentistry. You’ll receive treatments aimed to eliminate the bacterial infection that causes gum disease and to repair any damage caused by advanced periodontal disease.

If you do lose teeth through periodontal disease, one choice for replacing them is dental implants but by this stage you may need to quit smoking as this habit does affect the success of this treatment.

In: General Periodontal Topics

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