You already know that smoking cigarettes can damage your lungs and lead to cancer, but did you know it can also lead to a range of oral health issues? The biggest of these is oral cancer. Others include:
- Bad breath
- Staining
- Increase buildup of bacteria and plaque
- Greater risk of gum disease
Today, many are trusting in e-cigs as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. But given how new e-cigs are, there’s still a lot that’s unknown about them. Are they really safer for your oral and overall health, or do they come with long-term effects of their own?
As explained in this video, there are some reasons to be concerned. First, e-cigs may not contain tobacco, but they do use vaporized nicotine, which contains harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, in this case through the sensitive soft tissue of the cheeks. Plus, with repeated use, patients may experience gum recession or changes to the lips.
To learn more about the relationship between oral health, smoking, and e-cigs, take a moment to watch the video below or call Robison Dental Group. Our Canton dental office serves patients from Michigan, Ann Arbor, Northville, Westland, and Plymouth.
You already know how important vitamins and minerals are for your health, but if we asked you which vitamins and minerals specifically benefit your smile, would you be able to name any?
Of all the things you do everyday, brushing and flossing are two of the most important. Through regular oral care, you can protect your smile from common oral health problems by removing bacteria and plaque from around the teeth and gums. And because medical studies have linked a common problem like gum disease to other kinds of health problems, brushing and flossing will also help you support your overall wellbeing.
We think of bad breath as being caused by the foods we eat. But for patients who struggle with frequent bad breath, the cause may be gum disease instead.
Did you know there’s a connection between your oral health and your overall wellbeing? Many people don’t, but it’s true. Recent medical research has revealed that gum disease, a very common oral health condition, has also been connected to a variety of other health problems, including:
Do you experience headaches on a regular basis? Then you could be struggling with an oral health issue known as TMJ syndrome. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. You have two of these joints, one located under each ear. Misalignment or stress can aggravate these joints, causing symptoms like headache, ear pain, dizziness, difficulty chewing, and clicking or popping in the jaw.
Do you avoid going to the dentist? Many people do, often because of anxiety. But skipping appointments, whether a simple checkup or a more advanced procedure, is a bad idea. In the absence of care, you could develop cavities, gum disease, or another serious oral health condition.
At some point, our smiles will experience some amount of staining. Popular beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juice, soda, and more can all cause stained or discolored teeth. Tobacco use can also contribute, and even aging itself.