Toggle navigation
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for tag: smoking

Smoking Increases Your Risk for Gum Disease

By M L King Dental Center
August 12, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: gum disease   smoking  
SmokingIncreasesYourRiskforGumDisease

There are important reasons not to smoke, like minimizing your risk for deadly diseases like heart disease or lung cancer. But here's another good reason: Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and possible tooth loss. And although not necessarily life-threatening, losing your teeth can have a negative effect on your overall health.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, individuals who smoke cigarettes, cigars, pipes or e-cigarettes are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop gum disease, and four times as likely the infection will become advanced. Your risk may also increase if you're regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.

There are a number of reasons for this increased risk. For one, smokers are less likely than non-smokers to recognize they have gum disease, at least initially, because they may not display classic symptoms of an infection like red, swollen or bleeding gums. This happens because the nicotine in tobacco smoke interferes with normal blood circulation. As a result, their gums may appear healthy when they're not.

That same circulation interference can also inhibit the production and supply of antibodies to fight infection. Not only can this intensify the infection, it can also slow healing and complicate treatment. In fact, smokers are more likely to have repeated episodes of infection, a condition called refractory periodontitis.

But there is good news—smoking's effect on your gum health doesn't have to be permanent. As soon as you stop, your body will begin to repair the damage; the longer you abstain from the habit, the more your gum health will improve. For example, one national study found that former smokers who had not smoked for at least eleven years were able to achieve an equal risk of gum disease with someone who had never smoked.

Quitting smoking isn't easy, but it can be done. If abrupt cessation (“cold turkey”) is too much for you, there are medically-supported cessation programs using drugs or other techniques that can help you kick the habit. And while it may be a long road, leaving smoking behind is an important step toward improving and maintaining good dental health.

If you would like more information on protecting your gum health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Smoking and Gum Disease.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don't Mix

By M L King Dental Center
September 12, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implants   smoking  
WhySmokingandDentalImplantsDontMix

With a 95-plus percent survival rate after ten years, dental implants are one of the most durable replacement restorations available. Implants can potentially last much longer than less expensive options, which could make them a less costly choice in the long run.

But although a rare occurrence, implants can and do fail—often in the first few months. And tobacco smokers in particular make up a sizeable portion of these failures.

The reasons stem from smoking’s effect on oral health. Inhaled smoke can actually burn the outer skin layers in the mouth and eventually damage the salivary glands, which can decrease saliva production. Among its functions, saliva provides enzymes to fight disease; it also protects tooth enamel from damaging acid attacks. A chronic “dry mouth,” on the other hand, increases the risk of disease.

The chemical nicotine in tobacco also causes problems because it constricts blood vessels in the mouth and skin. The resulting reduced blood flow inhibits the delivery of antibodies to diseased or wounded areas, and so dramatically slows the healing process. As a result, smokers can take longer than non-smokers to recover from diseases like tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease, or heal after surgery.

Both the higher disease risk and slower healing can impact an implant’s ultimate success. Implant durability depends on the gradual integration between bone and the implant’s titanium metal post that naturally occurs after placement. But this crucial process can be stymied if an infection resistant to healing arises—a primary reason why smokers experience twice the number of implant failures as non-smokers.

So, what should you do if you’re a smoker and wish to consider implants?

First, for both your general and oral health, try to quit smoking before you undergo implant surgery. At the very least, stop smoking a week before implant surgery and for two weeks after to lower your infection risk. And you can further reduce your chances for failure by practicing diligent daily brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

It’s possible to have a successful experience with implants even if you do smoke. But kicking the habit will definitely improve your odds.

If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implants & Smoking.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • April (2)
        • Smile Enhancements That Could Make Your Wedding Day Like No Other
        • Kevin Bacon's Mango-Slicing Trick and Other Ways to Rid Food Between Your Teeth
      • March (4)
        • What Dental Crowns Can Do For Your Smile
        • Although Rare, This Condition Could Destroy a Tooth
        • We May Be Able To Treat Some Bite Problems Early
        • Certain Drugs for Osteoporosis Could Impact Your Dental Care
      • February (2)
        • Whether Voting for a Candidate or Wisdom Teeth, You Can Choose Wisely
        • Eating the Right Kind of Carbs Can Help You Avoid Gum Disease
      • January (4)
        • Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
        • 3 Reasons Why Treating Cavities Is Becoming More Effective
        • Vivica Fox and Zendaya Have This in Common: A Gorgeous Smile
        • Two Major Causes for Implant Failure and How You Can Prevent Them
  • 2020
      • December (2)
        • Here's What To Do If Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • 3 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are a Sound 'Smile' Investment
      • November (3)
        • Wisdom Teeth Can Still be a Problem for the World's Youngest Billionaire
        • Your Dentist Could Help You Overcome Sleep Apnea
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
      • October (4)
        • 4 Tips To Make Dental Care Easier for Children With Special Needs
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Avoid This Numbing Agent to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
        • Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth
      • September (3)
        • Wisdom Teeth Bear Close Monitoring for Future Dental Health
        • Don't Eat 'Motorized' Corn on the Cob and Other Dental Safety Tips
        • Interceptive Orthodontics: Stopping Poor Bites Before They Develop
      • August (3)
        • 3 Benefits of Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth
        • Smoking Increases Your Risk for Gum Disease
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
      • July (3)
        • These Digital Tools Increase the Success Rate of Dental Implants
        • Some Simple Cosmetic Techniques Could Help Your Smile Age Gracefully
        • New Studies Show: Sealants Could Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
      • June (3)
        • The Howie Mandel Effect: Avoid Dental Disease Through Daily Brushing and Flossing
        • Prevention and Early Detection of Root Cavities Could Save a Tooth
        • 3 Reasons a Root Canal Treatment Might Fail and What You Can Do About It
      • May (3)
        • Think Twice Before Considering Botox for Chronic Jaw Pain Relief
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Diet and Lifestyle Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
      • April (3)
        • Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
        • These High-Tech Tools Help Your Veneers Look Attractive and Natural
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
      • March (3)
        • We Can Rid You of That Irritating Lump in Your Mouth You Keep Biting
        • The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
        • 3 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
      • February (3)
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
        • A Root Canal Treatment Will Improve Your Health, Not Harm It
        • 4 Supposed Health Dangers in Dental Care That Aren't Dangerous
      • January (3)
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
        • Celebrating Paul Revere, Patriot and Dental Craftsman
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
        • Here's How to Cut Through All the Choices to Find Your Right Toothbrush
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
      • November (3)
        • Having Diabetes Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
        • Teens May Need a Temporary Restoration for Missing Teeth
      • October (3)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • 3 Reasons Why Correcting a Poor Bite Is Worthwhile at Any Age
        • That Scalded Feeling Isn't in Your Head - It Could Be Burning Mouth Syndrome
      • September (3)
        • Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
      • August (3)
        • 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
        • Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • July (3)
        • A Cleft Birth Defect Can Be Heartbreaking - but There Is Hope
        • Not So Fast Replacing That Tooth - Consider Saving it First
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
      • June (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • 5 Ways to a Beautiful Wedding Day Smile
        • Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
      • May (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Jaw Joint Disorders and Fibromyalgia: Is There a Connection?
      • April (3)
        • Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
        • Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • March (4)
        • If You're Considering Braces, Here's How They Work
        • You Don't Have to Live with a Gummy Smile. Here's How We Can Change it!
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
      • February (2)
        • 4 Big Benefits for Beginning Early Dental Visits for Your Child
        • Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
      • January (3)
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • Moderate Fluoride Use Packs the Biggest Punch for Decay Prevention
  • 2018
      • December (4)
        • Don't Wait - Seek Out Treatment for Gum Recession Now
        • Adult Tooth Root Resorption is a Serious Issue that Requires Prompt Action
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
      • November (3)
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
      • October (3)
        • Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
        • New Dental Advances Promise Better Outcomes for Treating Decay
        • Dental Implants can also Support Other Traditional Restorations
      • September (3)
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
        • Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don't Mix
        • Protect Your Teeth During Football Season
      • August (3)
        • World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Pros and Cons for Flossing Before Brushing and Vice-Versa
      • July (3)
        • Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
        • Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • June (3)
        • Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
        • 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
        • June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
      • May (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • The Timely Use of a Palatal Expander Could Help Correct a Cross-Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
      • April (2)
        • 3 Things You Need to Know about Easing Anxiety Over Dental Visits
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • March (3)
        • Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
        • Teeth Whitening: Know Your Options
      • February (1)
        • How Teeth Whitening Brings Out Tara Lipinski's Winning Smile
      • January (3)
        • Why You Should Still Floss with an Implant-Supported Bridge
        • Boost Your Overall Health by Reducing Gum Inflammation
        • Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
      • November (2)
        • The 21st Century Promises Better Dental Diagnostics with Cone Beam Imaging
        • FAQ: Interceptive Orthodontics for Children
      • October (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • We can Rid You of that Lump in Your Mouth you Keep Biting
        • An Orthodontic Retainer: Insurance Well Spent for Keeping Your New Smile
      • September (2)
        • The Secret to Preventing Gum Disease - Control Bacterial Plaque
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • August (2)
        • If at All Possible, Primary Teeth are Worth Saving
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • July (2)
        • Good Bone Health Essential for Obtaining 'Teeth in One Day' Implants
        • A Royal Fix
      • June (2)
        • Screw or Cement: Which is Best for Attaching Your Implant Crown?
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • May (2)
        • Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • April (2)
        • Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • March (3)
        • A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Factors Besides Oral Hygiene that Influence Your Risk for Tooth Decay
      • February (2)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Try Conservative Measures to Treating TMD Before More Aggressive Options
      • January (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Watch Out for Re-Infection After a Root Canal Treatment
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • 3 Questions You Should Ask Before Undergoing Adult Orthodontics
      • November (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • New Understanding of Bacteria Promises Better Approaches to Oral Care
      • October (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • Cleft Repair can Restore a Smile, Change a Life
      • September (3)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • August (2)
        • Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • July (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • June (2)
        • Dental Offices Hold to the Highest Standards to Protect Patients from Infection
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
      • May (2)
        • Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • April (2)
        • Local Anesthesia Provides a More Pleasant and Thorough Dental Experience
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
      • March (2)
        • Three Reasons why Your Six Year Old Should Undergo an Orthodontic Check
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • February (3)
        • Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
      • January (2)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Removing Teeth Could Improve an Orthodontic Outcome
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • celebrity smiles (55)
  • orthodontics (4)
  • extractions (1)
  • braces (7)
  • pediatric dentistry (13)
  • oral health (16)
  • dental implants (12)
  • teeth grinding (3)
  • wisdom teeth (6)
  • orthodontic treatment (11)
  • cosmetic dentistry (7)
  • anesthesia (1)
  • crowns (2)
  • x-rays (2)
  • tooth decay (9)
  • oral hygiene (16)
  • root canal treatment (9)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • cleft lip (2)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • tmj disorders (5)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (6)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • nutrition (4)
  • bonding (1)
  • gum disease (9)
  • plaque (1)
  • retainer (3)
  • lump (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • porcelain veneers (3)
  • teeth whitening (3)
  • bone loss (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • sedation dentistry (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • palatal expander (1)
  • gum recession (2)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • mouthguards (6)
  • smoking (2)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • impacted teeth (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • root resorption (2)
  • fluoride (1)
  • local anesthesia (1)
  • composite resin (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • gerd (1)
  • jaw pain (2)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • oral surgery (1)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • toothbrush (1)
  • fillings (1)
  • dentures (1)
  • dental injuries (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • sealants (1)
  • dental implant (4)
  • loose tooth (1)
  • teething (1)
  • dental care (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • osteoporosis (1)
  • Dental Crowns (1)
  • wedding day smile (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Dental Procedures (86)
  • Oral Health (83)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (1)

1099 Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 752-7777

Office Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday: Once a month by appointment only
Sunday: Closed

Our Location

1099 Martin Luther King Jr Drive Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 752-7777

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education
  • Dental Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map