Smoking and Your Teeth

As they say, smile and the world will smile with you.

Do you think that the same old adage will apply to people who heavily smoke? Guess again.

This is because people who are addicted to smoking have higher probabilities to encounter dental and gum problems, or worst, loss of teeth.

Research shows that smoking affects the body’s immune system, thereby deteriorating the body’s ability to fight infection. This goes to show that people who smoke a lot will definitely loose a lot of teeth, if not all.

Moreover, smoking initiates gums diseases. These gum diseases manifest inflammation on the gum areas that eventually lessen the formation of strong teeth. It is in this stage that tooth loss occurs.

On the other hand, there are still people who contend that there is no relationship between smoking and loss of teeth or gum problems. They further insist that these kind of dental problems are actually inborn or innate in their genetic structure.

The truth is that their assumptions are totally wrong. Studies already prove that smoking can cause dental problems. In fact, there was a certain study on some smokers who already have gum diseases. They were all advised to quit smoking and consequently, their activities were studied for a year. All of them were given treatment for their gum disease.

Thereafter, one-fifth of the respondents had decided to quit smoking during the experimental period. This group, in turn, reaped positive results. Their health continued to be on its peak while their gums had improved significantly

On the other hand, those who continued smoking had increased gum problems in spite of continuous gum treatment. Plus, their health showed a notable deterioration.

The Reason

Smoking had considerably caused a lot of dental problems, especially gum problems. This is because smoking triggers the accumulation of bacteria in plaque.

In reality, plaque, that gluey white material that builds up on our teeth whenever we don’t brush our teeth, is already a major factor in dental problems. And the fact that smoking helps in bacteria formation in plaque is, indeed, a double jeopardy.

Hence, when bacteria already thrive within the gum area, the result will be an inflamed gum.

Moreover, the bone that we have on our jaw will also be affected, thereby, hastening the slackening of the teeth. If not, it will soon be extracted because it at this stage that the teeth will gradually worsen.

The worst part here is that gum diseases are silent killers of your teeth. You won’t be able to notice it unless you visit your dentist on a regular basis or whenever you see yourself in the mirror. That is if you are conscious enough to examine whether you have a set of good teeth whenever you go out.

But don’t despair. There are still solutions to the problem.

People who experience these things should first stop smoking. If they don’t, chances are any kind of treatment will just be useless.

Next, is to visit your dentist for treatment. This may include some teeth cleaning, medications to cure any gum infection, and proper maintenance on your teeth. You should also know how to observe and practice proper dental hygiene so as to prevent recurrence of dental problems.

Then, have a personal assessment with yourself. Psychologists say that losing one’s teeth can make a vast effect in one’s life. It’s not only your confidence that will be affected but your appearance, and lifestyle.

Besides, losing one’s teeth can deter you to eat healthy. You cannot even eat the foods that you like. Or for the worst scenario, you might not be able to eat anything at all.

So, where do these things point out to? It just goes to show that smoking is not only detrimental to one’s health but to one’s physical appearance, outlook in life, lifestyle, and confidence as well.

The bottom line is that smoking is such a pervasive problem that people must start to put a stop on it. That is why dentists work hand in hand with other health experts to curb the probable effects of smoking in one’s total well being.

So, the next time you want the world to smile back on you, better be sure that you don’t smoke.

Why Smoking Leads to Other Drugs and Addiction

More people are now aware of the detrimental effects smoking does in their body. What they don’t know yet is the high probability of smoking leading to other drugs and eventually addiction.

In fact, studies show that people who heavily smoke have the tendency to get addicted and sooner or later try other drugs as well.

But the question is why do smokers get addicted? What is it in cigarettes that initiate people to get addicted to it?

HOW TO QUIT SMOKING – METHOD 5

Smoking is now one of the lethal killers of all time. Smoking related illness has gone off the charts. But how does one stop himself from smoking? There are many things a smoker can do to stop smoking.

Cigarette substitutes abound the market today. Nicotine gum, nicotine microtab, which is also known as the anicotine are great substitutes to satisfy your craving.

Drinking water or fruit juice could also help. This will be a healthier substitute.

You could also brush your teeth and have yourself reminded of the fresh breath and whiter teeth you once had back when you are not yet a smoker. This would be a challenge to bring back that whiter teeth and fresh breath.

Itching to have a light? Give your hands something else to do instead of holding a cigarette stick. Stress relief toys or pencils would work. Try doing things that would make your hands too busy to have time to hold a cigarette.

Take a deep breath. Think of the fresh air around you. This is the air that you should be taking in and not cigarette smoke.

Go for a walk. Watch kids play at the park or an old couple seated on a bench while you pass by. Think of giving the kids fresh air by not adding pollutants to the air. Think about getting old with someone you love.

Think of things that you would be achieving when you give up. Or if you have not smoked for 2 days, think of the things you now have. Your clothes now smell good, so does your hair. You now have a healthier body. You have a fresh smelling breath. Plus, you have saved money.

Taking a shower would also help.  Not only that it makes you feel clean, time spent under running water also keeps your mind off that stick.

Feed your mind. Read a book or a magazine.

Do some exercises. Start a healthier routine by trading that stick to a pair of dumbbells.

Clean your house. Take off that cigarette smell that has clung to your walls, curtains, sofa and other furniture. You could also redecorate your house.

Write letters or send out e-mails. Let your loved ones know they’re remembered. Keep you fingers occupied by typing letters to your girlfriend. She will surely love it. Or send your husband a cute e-card.

Going to a place where you can’t smoke would also help. Say for example, you could go to a cinema and treat yourself to a movie and a box of popcorn.

Think of the illnesses brought about by smoking. Think of cancer, leukemia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and other grave medical conditions. If you’re a male try thinking of erectile problems.

Since you’re saving money by not buying cigarette packs, you might want to plan on what to do on the money you saved. Plan for a second honeymoon with your wife or treat yourself to that dream vacation on the Caribbean.

Start on a new hobby that will keep your hands busy. Try painting or learning to play a musical instrument. Your new painting could even grace your newly decorated living room. If you have learned to play the guitar or the piano, you could now have a share on your family’s Thanksgiving Day celebration.

Engage yourself on a new sport. Or take down that golf set down the attic and practice on your swinging.

Get more rest and have sufficient sleep. Quitting will make you feel extra fatigued for the first weeks. Recharge your energy and don’t deplete it.

Don’t let yourself get bored. If you don’t have anything to do you could try going to the kitchen. Cook your meals instead of ordering out. Not only you will save money from the take out counter, you could also save yourself from the unwanted cholesterol in those fast food goodies. Plus you could learn new dishes that you could bring over to a friend’s party.

If you get yourself tired from the long day at the office and feel that you needed a break, why not take a deep breath and relax. You could get home early sit in front of the TV and watch your favorite ball game. Or you could go to bed early.

There are better things to do than lighting that cigarette stick. Smoking is something that does no good to your body and to the people around you. Think of giving yourself and your loved ones a longer life by quitting.

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