We all know smoking does a number on the lungs, the smell of your breath and the color of your teeth. But did you know that smoking is also really bad for your teeth for reasons other than staining and discoloration? Let’s have a look at some of the other affects smoking can have on the health of your teeth and your gums.

Tooth Decay/Tooth Loss

Smoke from cigarettes or cigars can break down the structural compounds of your teeth, thus leading to faster decaying. And when your teeth begin to decay, there is a high chance you might end up loosing a few all together.

Gum Disease

Smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease and periodontal disease. And the inflammation and bacteria accumulation that these oral diseases lead to could take a toll on your entire immune system if not promptly treated.

Gum Recession

Another way smoking affects the health of your teeth is by removing vital nutrients from gum tissue. This depletion then leads to a recessed gum line that could impact the evenness of crowns or other dental restorations that have been performed in the past.

Oral Cancer

In the most severe cases, smoking has been linked to increased rates of mouth cancer. However, the strongest link has been found between oral cancer and smokeless tobacco. But that doesn’t necessarily mean smoking is any less harmful.

All in all, smoking is extremely bad for both your health and your teeth. This then indicates that the best way to protect your smile is to just quit smoking. There are many different methods that can be used to help you quit for good, so you don’t worry. You don’t necessarily have to stop “cold turkey”. If you need help, you might want to ask your personal physician or dentist for some suggestions.

If you have any dental questions, please call one of our expert dentists in Baltimore, Hanover, or Clinton, MD.  The Horizon Family Dental Care team of dental professionals is dedicated to providing patients at their Baltimore, Clinton and Hanover dental offices the best care possible. Our highly skilled team of local dentists and specialists are Maryland’s top rated professionals who employ the newest and more technologically advanced treatments in the industry. We work each day to make sure your experience in our chair is the best you’ve ever had.

Brushing your teeth is critical when it comes to maintaining oral health but so is flossing. The biggest problem with flossing is that many people loathe it for all sorts of reasons, such as the time it takes, the messiness of it and/or the difficulty of it. If you absolutely hate flossing, you may actually just be doing it all wrong. Look over this guide to flossing your teeth to make sure you are adhering to a proper oral hygiene regimen and to discover some helpful tips.

Using String Floss

Pull the floss from its compartment, cut it at about 16” or 18”, wind the ends of the thread around each of your middle fingers and then slip the middle section between the tight crevices separating your teeth. Stop when the floss reaches the gum line and make sure you don’t skip any spots.

Using Floss Sticks

Those who don’t feel comfortable flossing with threaded floss usually find floss sticks (or “picks”) a whole lot easier to use. This is because floss sticks allow you to reach those tricky spaces but they also keep your fingertips comfortable and clean because there is no wrapping or winding needed.

Using Air or Water Flossers

If string floss or floss picks aren’t doing the job, you may want to look at investing in an air flosser or water flosser. These flossing tools work by blasting away plaque with the use of a strong stream of air or water. They’re gentle, they’re effective and they’re easy to use. Simply follow the instructions for your specific flosser brand and model.

Flossing is one of the most important oral hygiene steps and unfortunately it is often overlooked. It’s important to keep in mind that if you floss regularly, you are less likely to need painful teeth cleanings, oral surgeries or other procedures.

To schedule your comfortable and convenient appointment with one of our dental offices, give us a call today!  Baltimore Dentist – 410-332-9998; Hanover Dentist – 410-799-9991; Clinton Dentist – 301-868-3203.