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Periodontal Care and Maintenance


Diagram of periodontitis and health toothPeriodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when the gums become infected. It can become a dental emergency when the bone becomes affected. However, our team of experts here at Cambridgeside Dental Associates can help any patient through this process.

If the case is considered to be severe, the teeth can eventually become loose and come out. With smoking, it can increase your chances for tooth loss.

At the beginning of periodontal disease, bacteria in the mouth and on the gums penetrate your teeth and gums. When the bacteria remain on your teeth for an extensive period of time, they will have plaque covering them, which will then turn into tartar and eventually become gingivitis. As gingivitis progresses, you will experience a separation of the teeth and gums, which will easily develop into an infection. This is referred to as periodontitis.

Smoking And Teeth Staining


If you smoke, then you know that your teeth will eventually become stained in the process. This staining is what the smoke's nicotine and tar will cause.

Due to the staining, a yellowing of the teeth will develop fast. In fact, many smokers have stated that after many years of smoking, their teeth appear almost brown in color.

Relation Between Periodontal Disease And Smoking


When you smoke, your immune system's defenses against infection are weakened. This weakening is why your body is unable to fight periodontal disease. Besides that, your gums will take longer for healing. This means your teeth and gums will remain infected longer and you may see other risks develop.

Some of these involve a higher risk for gum disease and as you smoke an increased amount, your risk will increase more. When you smoke for many years, your risk will be so great that treatment may not help to reverse the effects of gum disease.

No matter which forms of tobacco use you partake in, the risk for gum disease will increase. This includes chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco pipes.

Treating Gum Disease


Treating early gingivitis by regularly brushing, flossing, and having dental cleanings will ensure that gingivitis is kept under control. If your gingivitis has progressed, you may need a deep cleaning.

Your dentist may also prescribe medication and oral rinses. If surgery is recommended, then it will help to eliminate parts of the bone affected by periodontitis.

To help rectify this, little bone fragments may be used to help fill in the gaps where bone is missing. They may also transfer oral tissue to transplant it to cover roots that have become exposed.

Once treatment is completed and you decide to give up your smoking habit, then you will see a quicker healing process. You can then trade in the bad smoking habit for good habits such as chewing gum.

Preventing Periodontal Disease


As you implement good oral health and habits, you will be able to remove plaque buildup faster. When you get ahold of Cambridgeside Dental Associates, you will receive some more great information .

This information will include the type of good habits you can instill after you quit smoking. You can also schedule an appointment to get a checkup after calling 857-588-1210.

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