Tobacco use is responsible for an estimated annual 6 million deaths across the globe.
To spread awareness of the potential adverse effects of tobacco use, in any form, the World Health Organization has declared that May 31st is “World No Tobacco Day”.
On this day each year, many programs, demonstrations, and information efforts are presented by institutions, schools, workplaces, and doctors and dentists.
At the Ria Family Dental, we are proud to chip in and do our part.
This is because of the general threat of tobacco use, but also because; unknown to many in our community, tobacco use is a threat to oral health on levels that range from the inconvenient (bad breath, stained teeth) to the genuinely frightening (oral cancer).
So, to give our community members more reasons to quit, we’d like to explain some health complications that are directly related to tobacco consumption.
Teeth erode more quickly. Chewing tobacco, cigars, snuff, and any other smokeless products contain tiny particles.
Users of oral tobacco often don’t consider that they are grown in soil, from which bits of grit and sand get into the tobacco leaves. This grit and sand wear enamel away.
Reduced options for dental treatment. Smoking reduces blood flow, increases bacteria, and increases gum inflammation.
This can make it harder to replace lost teeth, eliminating implants and bridges. Tobacco products weaken nearby teeth and jawbones.
Weakened from infection or decay caused by tobacco products, they aren’t sturdy enough to support dental treatments.
Gum disease is more challenging to treat. Smoking lowers your immune system’s ability to defend your health.
Smokers who are treated for gum disease might have increased difficulty fighting the problems related to gum disease.
Smoking limits the growth of blood vessels (and their ability to bring blood and nutrients while removing wastes), which slows the healing of gum tissue after surgeries or trauma.
Increased likelihood of oral infection. Due to tobacco’s effects on the immune system, uncomplicated infections can progress too much worse.
Your sense of taste and smell can become dulled. The good news about this is that these senses can begin to return as quickly as 48 hours after the last tobacco use.
Healing process can be slower after having a tooth extracted or other dental surgeries. This slowed healing also applies to wounds caused by trauma.
Delayed healing is related to the gum-damage that tobacco produces.
Follow these three steps to protect your oral health.
Quit. This is possibly the most significant benefit you can give your oral health.
However, tobacco is difficult to quit, and during and before quitting, there are a few things you can do to reduce tobacco’s effects:
Ria Family Dental is proud to support World No Tobacco Day and help broaden awareness of the links between tobacco use and decreased oral and overall health.
Quitting the use of tobacco products, smoked and otherwise, can immediately improve your oral and overall health levels.
If you are experiencing any oral health concerns due to smoking or the use of tobacco, or if you want help quitting, contact your friendly Ria Family Dental team today!
At Ria Family Dental, we offer comprehensive care addressing both your short and long-term dental care needs.
We have an honest, judgment-free environment in which we practice convenient, comfortable, and conservative care designed to maximise your smile and oral health!
Our offices are at 451 Fairfield Rd, with Yeronga station and bus stops nearby, as well as convenient storefront parking.
For patient convenience, we offer early evening hours on most weeknights.
Yeronga dentist serves local communities in Yeerongpilly, Annerley, Tarragindi, Rocklea, Fairfield, Tennyson, Graceville, Chelmer, and Moorooka.
Take-home kit consist of 3 tubes of zoom bleaching gel, upper and lower treys and tube of tooth mousse for only $250
Call us on (07) 3892 1331 or use our online booking service here!
We are located at 451 Fairfield Rd in Yeronga.