We are now just over a month into the new year; and it is around this time that many New Year resolutions start to fail. The gym membership goes to the back of a draw, those running shoes gather dust as you look at the cold weather outside. At least for lots of us.<\/p>\n
Smoking too, although less popular that it once was, is still at the top of many New Year resolutions lists, and for good reasons. We all know how damaging it can be for our health; unfortunately though, nicotine is highly addictive and many people will be struggling to keep their resolution.<\/p>\n
We thought, as a caring family dental practice in Sutton Coldfield<\/a>, that perhaps some reminders about the damage that it can also do to your teeth and gums might help.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By far the most dangerous of the side effects of smoking. Whilst it certainly is not inevitable, the risks of this type of cancer are increased significantly if you smoke.<\/p>\n Even if you have managed to stop though, it is still important that you attend Arthur House Dental Care on a regular basis so that we can monitor the state of your oral health; and, if potential signs of oral cancers are detected, we can refer you to your GP for early diagnosis.<\/p>\n Gum disease is likely to be more prevalent in smokers than non smokers.<\/p>\n One reason for this is that smokers, along with heavy drinkers, are likely to have a dry mouth whilst asleep. This allows the bacteria that can indicate the presence of gum disease to thrive overnight.<\/p>\n Once you stop smoking, you should find that your mouth is not so dry and that the potential for bacteria to thrive is decreased.<\/p>\n As well as gum disease, the risk of a general infection in the mouth is heightened. This is due to the nicotine in cigarettes acting to narrow the small blood vessels in the gums.<\/p>\n This in turn reduces the flow of blood to any minor infections, and, instead of healing, may become worse necessitating additional treatment.<\/p>\n The most visible of the problems caused by smoking is badly stained teeth.<\/p>\nOral Cancers<\/h3>\n
Gum Disease<\/h3>\n
Infections<\/h3>\n
Stained Teeth<\/h3>\n