Tobacco use leads to all sorts of dental problems that include:

• Tooth discoloration
• Chronic bad breath
• Salivary gland inflammation
• Jawbone loss
• Leukoplakia
• Gum disease
• A delay in healing
• Lower success rate for dental implants
• High risk for oral cancer

Smoking and Gum Disease

Tobacco use will interfere with gum tissue cell function. This makes tobacco users more susceptible to gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco also impairs the flow of blood to the gums, which slows healing.

Pipes and Cigars

Just like cigarettes; pipes, cigars and even Hookah pipes can cause oral health issues. People who smoke cigars are more susceptible to bone loss, while pipe smokers are at risk for tooth loss. Beyond the oral health issues, cigar and pipe smokers are in the high-risk category for throat and oral cancer, even if the tobacco isn’t inhaled.

Chewing Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco products are just as bad for your oral health as well. Chewing tobacco has over 28 chemicals that may increase your risk of throat and oral cancer, and cancer of the esophagus. Smokeless tobacco products also have more nicotine than cigarettes making it more difficult to kick the habit. One can of chew has more nicotine than 60 cigarettes. Chewing tobacco also contains sugar making you more susceptible to tooth decay.

According to the American Cancer Society 90 percent of people who have been diagnosed with lip, tongue, mouth, or throat cancer were smokers. Twenty seven percent of people who continue to smoke after they have been cured will develop cancer of the throat, tongue, lips and mouth, while those who quit after being cancer free only had a 6 percent chance of developing cancer a second time.

If you are a tobacco user, kick the habit and schedule regular appointments with your dentist for comprehensive dental exams and oral cancer screenings.

Call or click and schedule your appointment with Dentistry for Health NY today.

Holistic dentists understand how toxic materials and chemicals used in dentistry can affect overall health. Holistic dentists understand the connections between the oral cavity and the materials that are used for root canals, fillings and other invasive dental procedures.

Holistic literally means whole. Dentistry for Health NY understands the importance of dentistry and overall health and sees the links between gingivitis and other diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

Mercury-True holistic dentists have a natural approach to dentistry and believe that any amount of mercury is too much for the body to handle. Mercury is a toxin and although silver amalgam fillings may last longer than composite dental fillings, they can weaken the tooth. This means the filling could outlast your tooth. Dentistry for Health does not place mercury even though the American Dental Association has deemed it safe for use.

Root Canal Therapy-Holistic dentists believe that the canals in the teeth need to be completely sterilized and bacteria free, however, studies show that it is impossible to completely sterilize the root canals and that the chemicals used by conventional dentists are toxic. One of those chemicals is formaldehyde. The bacteria left in the canal can cause other health issues including heart disease and breast cancer. Holistic dentists don’t usually recommend root canal therapy.

Fluoride-Although traditional dentists shout the praises of fluoride, Dentistry for Health NY explains that any form of fluoride that is ingested isn’t good for whole health, as fluoride has been linked to bone problems and cancer. Too much fluoride can also lead to fluorosis.

Biocompatible Dentistry-Most dentists would never conduct tests to see if the materials used are biocompatible to your body. Holistic dentists will conduct biocompatibility testing before deciding on a treatment for your dental issues.

If you would like more information regarding holistic dentistry, call or click and schedule a no obligation holistic dentistry consultation with Dentistry for Health today.