Many Houston smokers have recently felt increasing pressure to quit their habits as more and more establishments ban smoking both inside their doors and outside on their patios.  While many smokers complain about these increasingly strict cessation policies in places such as bars and nightclubs which have traditionally encouraged cigarette smoking, new findings emerge every day that point to oral health problems linked to cigarettes in addition to the lung and heart problems doctors have warned society about for years.

Research now supports conclusions that tobacco of any kind has causative or contributive links to many dental problems.  These problems include serious conditions such as gum recession, bone loss, and resulting tooth loss.  Even smoking less than half a pack of cigarettes a day puts a person at three times the risk of developing gum disease compared to those who do not smoke at all.

These findings should be carefully considered by Houston smokers who have already begun thinking about possibly laying down the cigarettes for good.  Since the habit has become unpopular in places that even once promoted smoking, and since there is now strong evidence tobacco can even lead to tooth loss, is there anything to gain at all by continuing such an expensive and consuming habit?

Dental hygienists and cosmetic would categorically tell you no.  We are more than happy, however to help educate Houston smokers in regards to many of the most unpleasant facts of periodontal disease. 

These research findings not only point to the problems that tobacco itself causes, but it also reminds even nonsmokers that gum disease is much more than a case of minor irritation and occasionally bleeding gums.  The truth is, only the mildest stages of Periodontitis are characterized by irritation and bleeding.

The more advanced stages are far more painful and damaging to both the mouth and to the body as a whole.

Periodontitis involves the chronic spread of infectious bacteria that destroys gum tissue, jaw bones, and attachment fibers that hold the teeth to the bone.  As plaque forms on tooth surfaces, bacteria have breeding ground multiply and move into these areas. 

Here, they begin by causing gingivitis (inflammation and reddening of the gums), and then they begin to progress toward moderate or and then advanced Periodontitisthe type of gum disease that will destroy your mouth and possibly even lead to other conditions such as heart disease.

The goal of dental hygienists and dentists here at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group is to help smokers move away from the destructive causes of such horrible outcomes toward a brighter, much healthier future.  Our cosmetic dentists and dental hygienists are here to help Houston smokersnot condemn them.

We offer proactive, individual dental treatment plans, thorough dental exams, checks for possible oral cancer, and advanced LANAP for even the most severe cases of gum disease.

So regardless of whether or not you as a Houston smoker feels ready to quit smoking, at least come visit us now and let us help you better understand your current condition.  With quality care and sound professional advice, you can make an informed, healthy decision about yourself and your future dental health.