World No Tobacco Day

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It’s world ‘No Tobacco Day’ and so a good time to remind ourselves why No Tobacco is still high on the health scale of things not to do.

 

There are (at least) 3 absolutely fantastic reasons not to smoke

 

  1. Tobacco stains your teeth: No doubt about it, a bright smile looks more fresh, friendly – and younger – than teeth stained yellow or brown.

 

  1. The smell of tobacco lingers on the breath for a long time. Contrary to what smokers believe, the smell of tobacco is not disguised by mints or mouthwash.

 

  1. Smoking gives you bad breath for a couple of reasons: (1) it reduces the amount of saliva produced, drying the mouth and encouraging bacteria growth, and (2) it also reduces the blood flow to the delicate tissues in the mouth and can promote gum disease, which in its advanced stage is called periodontitis. If you are a smoker you have twice the risk for gum disease compared with a nonsmoker, and your risk increases the more cigarettes you smoke.

 

The early stage of periodontal disease is gingivitus.  Gingivitus is an infection of the gums, which starts when the bacteria on your teeth get under the gums and lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar.  As it worsens your gums can pull away from your teeth, forming spaces that get infected.  This advanced stage is called periodontitis.  The bone and tissue structures that hold your teeth in place can break down, to the degree that your teeth may loosen and fall out.

 

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Painful chewing
  • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

 

If you suffer any of these symptoms you should visit your dentist … and maybe stop smoking.

 

Dr Brendan Gin, BDSc (Melbourne), has a particular interest in crown, implant crown and bridgework as well as aesthetic dentistry. For an appointment please call: 6733 9882 or click here: https://smilefocus.com.sg/appointments/ 

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