dentistry blog

Smoking and your Oral Health

Smoking is a well-known health hazard, causing a multitude of diseases and health issues. While the connection between smoking and lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems is widely recognized, the impact of smoking on oral health is often underestimated. In this blog post, we will delve into the detrimental effects of smoking on your oral health, from teeth and gums to the risk of oral cancer.

Stained Teeth

One of the most visible consequences of smoking on oral health is stained teeth. The tar and nicotine in tobacco products can lead to unsightly yellow or brown stains on your teeth. Over time, these stains can become more pronounced and resistant to traditional teeth whitening methods, leaving you with a less-than-appealing smile.

Gum Disease

Smoking increases the risk of developing gum disease, which can range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Tobacco use weakens the immune system’s response to bacteria in the mouth, making it easier for harmful microorganisms to thrive. This can result in inflamed and bleeding gums, receding gum lines, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Tooth Decay

Smoking contributes to tooth decay in several ways. First, it reduces saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and bacteria in the mouth. This leads to a more acidic oral environment, increasing the likelihood of enamel erosion and cavities. Additionally, smokers often have a reduced ability to taste and smell, making them less aware of changes in their oral health and less likely to seek treatment in the early stages of tooth decay.

Delayed Healing

Smokers experience delayed healing after oral surgeries, such as tooth extractions or gum treatments. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the surgical site and slowing down the body’s natural healing processes. This can lead to complications, prolonged discomfort, and an increased risk of infection.

Oral Cancer

Perhaps the most alarming consequence of smoking on oral health is the increased risk of developing oral cancer. Smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop oral cancer, which includes cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. The carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco products damage the DNA in oral cells, increasing the likelihood of cancerous growths.

Bad Breath

Smoking also contributes to bad breath, or halitosis. The chemicals in tobacco smoke leave a lingering odor in the mouth and lungs, making it challenging to maintain fresh breath. This can be socially embarrassing and negatively impact personal relationships.

Decreased Success in Dental Procedures

Smokers often experience decreased success rates in dental procedures such as dental implants, as smoking hinders the body’s ability to heal and integrate implants properly. Additionally, smoking can lead to complications like implant failure and infection.

The best way to protect your oral health is to quit smoking altogether. If you’re a smoker, consider seeking support and resources to help you quit, not only for the sake of your teeth and gums but for your overall well-being. Your dentist can provide guidance and support in addressing the specific oral health challenges associated with smoking. Remember, quitting smoking is a critical step toward a healthier mouth and a brighter, smoke-free future.

Clear aligners

In recent years, advancements in dental technology have revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering individuals with misaligned teeth an alternative to traditional braces. One of the leading brands in this field is Reveal Clear Aligners, available at selected Clear Dental practices. These innovative aligners offer a host of benefits, making them an appealing choice for those seeking a straighter, more confident smile.

Reveal Clear Aligners excel in providing patients with an aesthetically pleasing orthodontic solution. Unlike metal braces, which can be visually unappealing, these aligners are virtually invisible, allowing individuals to undergo teeth straightening discreetly. The transparent material ensures that wearers can go about their daily lives without feeling self-conscious or anxious about their appearance.

Reveal Clear Aligners prioritize patient comfort throughout the orthodontic journey. The aligners are custom-made using advanced digital technology to fit snugly over the teeth, providing a comfortable experience without the irritation and soreness associated with traditional braces. Additionally, the absence of wires and brackets means that Reveal Clear Aligners offer a hassle-free alternative, allowing for easy removal when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment, and Reveal Clear Aligners make this process significantly easier. Unlike braces, which can trap food particles and make brushing and flossing challenging, aligners can be removed, enabling individuals to clean their teeth more thoroughly. By promoting excellent oral hygiene practices, Reveal Clear Aligners minimize the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other related dental issues, ensuring optimal oral health throughout the treatment period.

Reveal Clear Aligners employ cutting-edge technology to achieve precise and predictable results. Each aligner is custom-designed using digital mapping techniques, enabling an accurate and gradual movement of the teeth. The treatment plan is carefully crafted, outlining the specific movements required for each stage. This level of precision ensures that patients can have confidence in the outcome and anticipate a more predictable treatment timeline compared to traditional braces.

For individuals seeking a shorter treatment duration, Reveal Clear Aligners provide a favorable advantage. While treatment times may vary depending on individual cases, these aligners have been shown to offer comparable results to traditional braces within a shorter timeframe. This reduced treatment period translates into less time spent visiting the dentist and more time enjoying the benefits of a beautifully aligned smile.

The introduction of Reveal Clear Aligners has transformed orthodontic treatment, offering a range of benefits that significantly improve the patient experience. With their emphasis on aesthetics, comfort, convenience, oral hygiene, predictable results, reduced treatment time, and personalized care, these aligners provide an enticing alternative to traditional braces. Reveal Clear Aligners, available at selected Clear Dental practices, empower individuals to achieve the smile of their dreams while simultaneously enhancing their self-confidence and oral health.

Denplan

Denplan is a reputable paid dental plan service that offers individuals a comprehensive approach to dental care. With a range of benefits tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients, Denplan ensures access to high-quality dental services and promotes proactive oral health maintenance. This blog will explore the advantages of Denplan and shed light on the rationale behind its cost, highlighting why it is a valuable investment in dental care.

Denplan Essentials provides individuals with peace of mind regarding their oral health needs. The plans typically include one set of x rays, two dental check-ups  and cleans per year,  and 20% discount on preventative treatments such as fluoride applications, as well as restorative procedures like fillings and extractions. This comprehensive coverage ensures that patients receive necessary dental care without financial strain.

One of the primary benefits of Denplan is its ability to facilitate budgeting and financial predictability. By paying a fixed monthly fee,  patients can spread the cost of their dental care evenly throughout the year.

By addressing issues promptly, Denplan helps individuals avoid extensive treatments and reduces the risk of dental emergencies.

While Denplan is a paid dental plan service, the cost is justified by the numerous benefits it offers. The cost reflects the commitment to quality, convenience, and the overall value provided to patients seeking comprehensive dental care.

To enlist as a Denplan patient, contact your nearest Clear Dental practice.

Dental Examination

What is it?

A dental examination shows how healthy your mouth is. After the examination, you and your dentist can discuss the results and plan the best way to deal with any problems.

What will my dentist do?

As well as looking in your mouth, the dentist will ask you some questions.

These may include the following:

• Why you’ve come for an examination.

• Any problems you’ve noticed (such as pain or sensitivity). Your general health and any medicines you might be taking (because these can affect your dental care).

• Your diet (because sugary snacks and drinks can cause tooth decay, and because a balanced diet is important to your general health and resistance to disease).

• How you clean your teeth (because correct cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease).

• Tobacco and alcohol use (because both can harm your mouth as well as your general health).

Some of the questions will depend on what the dentist sees in your mouth.

You should expect your dentist to:

• look at your face and neck to see that they are healthy

• feel under your jaw

• look inside your mouth, at your tongue, your cheeks and lips, the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat (places where there might be a problem that you can’t see or feel) look at your teeth and gums to see whether they are healthy or whether there are signs of decay, damage or gum disease (for children, your dentist will also look at tooth and jaw development in case orthodontic treatment might be needed now or later)

• compare your mouth now with how it was when they last saw you

• decide whether they need more information from X-rays, or from plaster models showing how your teeth bite together

• tell you about any treatment you need, explaining the choices and whether there will be any cost.

The examination may take longer if you are seeing a new dentist for the first time.

What are the benefits?

• Regular examinations mean that your dentist can spot problems and correct them early before the treatment becomes complicated.

• A thorough examination helps you and your dentist look after your mouth and prevent future problems. The dentist will explain the options and then you can decide together what will be best for you.

Supportive periodontal care (scale and polish)

What is scaling?

Scaling is the removal of hard deposits from the surfaces of the teeth. Scaling is carried out by a dentist, dental therapist or hygienist.

Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that builds up on your teeth. It is mostly made up of bacteria.

The bacteria in plaque feed on sugar from food and drink, producing acids as a waste product. The acids attack the teeth by dissolving the minerals in the tooth surface. If this happens too often, tooth decay results.

And, if plaque is allowed to build up, the bacteria in it can cause gum disease, making your gums sore and infected.

Tartar (also known as ‘calculus’), formed by hardened plaque, helps plaque to gather and makes it harder to remove when you brush. You can’t remove tartar just by brushing your teeth, but a dentist, dental therapist or hygienist can remove it using special instruments – this is known as scaling.

What is polishing?

A dentist, dental therapist or hygienist can also polish your teeth. This removes stains from coffee, tea, cigarettes or red wine; and it makes it more difficult for plaque to stick to your teeth.

If you clean your teeth very thoroughly at home, your scale and polish treatment will take less time.

What happens?

Dentists, dental therapists and hygienists use two types of precision instrument for scaling:

• Hand precision instruments are made of metal and come in different sizes and shapes, to reach different parts of the teeth. This is why you will see the dentist, dental therapist or hygienist changing instruments quite often.

• Sonic/ultrasonic precision instruments use a tip that vibrates very fast in a stream of water. The water is removed from your mouth using a small suction device. A hand precision instrument is also used along with a sonic/ultrasonic instrument, to check whether the teeth are completely clean.

For polishing, your dentist, dental therapist or hygienist will use a rotating brush or rubber polisher with a special toothpaste.

If you have periodontal disease, it may be necessary to carry out deep scaling (periodontal treatment) to clean root surfaces below the level of the gum. You may need a local anaesthetic prior to periodontal treatment.

Your dentist, dental therapist or hygienist will also tell you about the best way to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly at home.

Etch-retained restorations

What are they?

Many of the newer dental materials are adhesive, which means that they stick or ‘bond’ to teeth. The surface of the tooth needs to be made slightly rough so that the repair (the ‘restoration’) can grip properly. This is called ‘etching’ and your dentist will use a harmless mild acid. ‘Etch-retained restorations’ are any repairs attached to the tooth in this way – either fillings, veneers, inlays or onlays.

What will my dentist do?

Your dentist will:

• sometimes numb the tooth, but this is not always needed

• dab the etching acid onto the tooth surface that needs to be roughened

• leave the acid on the tooth for a short time while you keep your mouth open

• wash the tooth very thoroughly with a jet of water, which is sucked out of your mouth through a tube held by the dental nurse

• dry the tooth and check the surface (it might need to be etched again, in the same way)

• paint the ‘bonding agent’ (a sort of glue) onto the roughened area, before filling the tooth or applying some other sort of restoration.

What are the benefits?

• The bond between the tooth and the restoration can be very strong so that the restoration stays in place for a long time. .Even if the bond breaks, it may be possible to re-glue the restoration in place.

• Because restorations are held in place by the bonding agent and not just by the shape of the tooth, less of the natural tooth is lost.