Quitting Smoking Could Save Your Teeth

The unhealthy environment created in a person's mouth by smoking and using smokeless tobacco can cause everything from bad breath to gingivitis, tooth decay, oral cancer, and even death.

Cigarette smokers who quit the habit may reap the benefit in the form of healthier gums. This may help them hold on to their teeth over the long run.
Researchers found smokers with gum disease who quit smoking experienced a significant improvement in their gum disease within one year of quitting compared with those who kept smoking.



Dentists have known for some time that smokers have worse oral and gum health than nonsmokers, but for the first time we have shown that quitting smoking together with routine gum treatment results in healthier gums.

Quitting Smoking Helps Teeth

Researchers say smokers are up to six times more likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers because smoking dampens the body's immune system and makes it harder for it to fight back against the disease.



Because gum disease is often painless until discovered by a dentist, researchers say many smokers may be unaware of the impact their smoking can have on their oral health.

How to floss your teeth

In this free how-to video clip lesson on dental care and tips and techniques for good oral hygiene you'll learn how to floss your teeth correctly.



From the series Dental Care Tips : How to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly

Learn how to brush your teeth properly in this free how-to video clip lesson on dental care and tips and techniques for good oral hygiene.



This video is from the series Dental Care Tips: How to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

More than a perfect smile

Everyone is vulnerable, because bacteria that routinely lurk in the mouth cause tooth decay and gum disease.Most people don't know they have these infections. They often cause no pain and few symptoms, but can lead to far worse. Gum disease may also heighten the risk for heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and premature birth.

Regular dental checkups can pay off in other ways too. Dentists can spot signs of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.All of which means that your dentist can do much more than save your teeth and gums.

If more people realized the consequences of not taking care of their teeth and gums, they'd probably call a dentist tomorrow.

Healthy teeth and gums let us talk, smile, laugh and kiss without embarrassment.

So to have not only a perfect smile but a healthy body don't forget these simple rules: brush your teeth twice a day, rinse, floss once per day, get regular checkups and eat healthy.