What is deep teeth cleaning?

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Basic Teeth Cleaning vs. Deep Dental Cleaning

The National Institutes for Health (NIH) estimate that Americans lose about 12 permanent teeth by the time they reach 50 years of age. The biggest reasons for that tooth loss is gingivitis, cavities as well as periodontal disease. Fortunately, Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhat says that regular dental cleaning can prevent those problems. Today on the blog we discuss what you need to know about the difference between a basic dental cleaning and deep dental cleaning.

Basic Dental Cleaning

Dentists recommend basic dental cleaning at least twice each year. The appropriate number of cleanings each year can vary depending on the specific risk factors that you may have. For example, more basic cleaning sessions may be scheduled in case you smoke, have diabetes or have a family history of periodontal disease.

The dentist will start by examining your gums and teeth carefully in order to identify the locations where plaque buildup is most serious. He or she will also assess the overall health of your gums.
The dentist in Sterling Heights will then use a variety of instruments (A small mirror, tooth polisher, and a suction hose) to clean the surface of the teeth and gums. The dentist or dental hygienist may ask you to rinse your mouth periodically during the basic dental cleaning in order to remove plaque and other debris.

The Sterling Heights dentist or hygienist will also floss your teeth to remove every last bit of the plaque loosened from your teeth. Some people may notice some bleeding in the gums during the cleaning procedure. Tooth sensitivity may also occur for a while. The teeth will feel smooth once the dentist has completed the cleaning exercise.

It is important to note that basic dental cleaning focuses on the visible parts of your teeth and gums. The procedure can be completed during one dental visit.

What is deep teeth cleaning?

Your dentist in Sterling Heights will recommend deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planning) after examining you and realizing that the distance between your teeth and the gum tissue around it exceeds the normal range. The healthy pocketing (size of the gap between teeth and gums) is usually less than 3mm.

Deep cleaning can also be recommended in case you have taken long (a year, for example) without undergoing basic dental cleaning. People with moderate gum disease may also be asked to undergo deep cleaning in order to arrest the progression of the disease.

Deep cleaning is done in quadrants. There are four quadrants in total (lower left, lower right, upper left and upper right quadrants). The process starts by numbing the target quadrant or side of your mouth. The Sterling Heights dentist or hygienist will then use manual, ultrasonic or laser tools to scale the surface of your teeth below the gum line in order to remove all the plaque and tartar that has accumulated there.

The area being cleaned will also be irrigated with an antibiotic solution in order to kill all the germs there. You may be asked to take oral antibiotics for a few days. Sterling Heights dentists ask patients to come in for a follow up appointment in order to check and confirm that the infection has been controlled and that your teeth and gums are healing as expected after the procedure.

Note that deep cleaning of all the four quadrants may not be done during one visit depending on the magnitude of the work that needs to be done. Deep cleaning or scaling and root planning is also billed per quadrant. Talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights and confirm what it will cost you to have the procedure done in case your insurance company won’t meet that cost.

It is never a good idea to postpone a deep cleaning your teeth and gums once your dentist in Sterling Heights recommends it. Any delays can lead to further bone loss and possible systemic infection. Avoid those complications. See your Sterling Heights dentist and let him or her do everything possible to protect your oral and overall health from the dangers posed by plaque, tarter and bacteria.

Benefits of Dental Implants

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the substitutes installed to replace the roots of your missing teeth. The replacement crown or replacement teeth are anchored onto these implants. According to a leading dentist in Sterling Heights, dental implants have numerous benefits. This article discusses some of those benefits.

They Improve Your Appearance

Sterling Heights dentists say that people tend to look older once they don’t replace any natural teeth that they lose. This aged appearance is due to the loss of bone mass in the areas where there are no teeth. The facial structure becomes distorted as more bone is lost. For example, your lower face will shrivel and the chin will look longer.

The use of dental implants can reverse such deteriorations in your physical appearance. This is because the implant will act like the natural tooth root and keep stimulating more bone material to be deposited around the implant in order to withstand the forces exerted when you chew food. You will, therefore, look younger once your facial structure is restored by the installation of dental implants.

The Remaining Teeth Will Stay Healthy

Some dental restorations, such as dental bridges or partial dentures, require the surface of the surrounding teeth to be modified in order to create space for the restorations. For example, your Sterling Heights dentist will grind down the teeth on both sides of the gap left by the missing tooth in order to anchor a dental bridge onto the nearby teeth. This grinding removes some enamel on those nearby teeth. As you may already know, enamel loss is almost irreversible so the neighboring teeth will be at risk of being damaged too in future.

In contrast, the installation of dental implants leaves the remaining natural teeth intact because the implant is installed in the jawbone. Any restoration will then be supported by the implant without affecting the surrounding teeth. This is a sustainable option since it preserves the existing natural teeth in your mouth.

Caring For Your Teeth Is Easy

Dental implants make it easy for you to care for your teeth because you can brush and floss normally. The implant-supported restoration acts and feels like your natural tooth. This is unlike other restorations, such as wire-supported bridges, which create crevices where food particles can be trapped. Dental experts in Arizona agree that brushing and flossing are harder with such restorations since barriers are created between teeth. Such an environment makes it easier for bacteria to thrive and cause dental diseases or infections. Dentists in Sterling Heights frequently treat infections in people with such problematic restorations.

Greater Comfort

Dental implants give you the chance to be normal again in numerous situations. For example, you will no longer have to chew gingerly in order to prevent your removable dentures from falling out. Similarly, you will not have to be self-conscious when you smile since there will be no gaps in your dentition.

Instant Results

It is possible for some people to get their implant-supported restorations during one visit to the office of their dentist in Sterling Heights. However, each case is different so you will need to ask your dentist to explain your chances of getting the restorations in place during one dental visit. The instant results you obtain can last a lifetime since properly cared for dental implants can last for a lifetime.

As you can see, dental implants give you a long-term solution to missing teeth. Talk to a Sterling Heights dentist about your suitability for dental implants so that you can schedule a visit and start enjoying the benefits in the discussion above.

Facts about Dental X-Rays

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Facts about Dental X-Rays

If you treasure your dental health and go to your Sterling Heights dentist’s office regularly, chances are high you have had dental X-rays taken from time to time. This article discusses the facts about dental X-rays that you need to know.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are 2D images taken of your oral structures in order to make it easy for your dentist in Sterling Heights to assess your oral health and design an appropriate treatment plan in case any adverse condition is detected.

Dental X-rays may be digital or film images. Digital dental X-rays are newer, faster and safer than film X-rays. This reduces any risks that you may be exposed to as you undergo the diagnostic imaging procedure.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Intraoral X-Rays. Intra means “within or inside”. Intraoral dental X-rays are therefore X-rays that are taken from inside the oral cavity. These images allow the dentist to take a close look at the different structures within your mouth, such as the roots of your teeth, the supporting bone mass and any cavities developing in your mouth.

Extraoral X-Rays. These are taken from outside the mouth. Extraoral X-rays are used to look at the bigger picture of your oral health. For example, your Sterling Heights dentist may need an extraoral X-ray in order to find out whether you sustained any fractures to your jaws during an auto accident. The X-rays may also be used to assess the alignment of your jawbones with the bones in the skull.

How Often Can One Have Dental X-Rays?

X-rays carry a risk of exposure to radiation. For that reason, most dentists in Sterling Heights will limit how often they ask you to undergo dental X-rays.

However, you will usually be asked to have routine dental X-rays done once each year to monitor your dental health and address any issues that develop.

Other dental X-rays will be ordered based on the challenges you are facing. Remember, X-rays are a diagnostic tool that will only be ordered by your Sterling Heights dentist when needed.

Shreveport’s dentist Dr. Ben Kacos agrees that people who are switching from one primary dental care provider to another should give the new dentist the recent dental X-rays taken by the previous dentist in order to avoid having to repeat the imaging process so soon after other images were taken.

What Safety Measures Are Taken During the Process?

Sterling Heights dentists and radiologists take several precautions to limit your exposure to potentially harmful radiation.

First, they drape you in a leaded apron to protect your lower body from radiation. A leaded thyroid collar protects your thyroid gland from radiation.

The dentist will also limit how long the imaging process takes so that your teeth are exposed to the lowest level of radiation possible. As mentioned earlier, digital X-ray equipment emits about 80% less radiation than the traditional X-ray machines.

It is important that you notify your Sterling Heights dentist if you are pregnant so that he or she can take any extra precautions necessary or even postpone the imaging procedure in case it isn’t urgently needed.

As you can see, the facts about dental  X-rays speak for themselves. Don’t be misled by the misconceptions that abound about this diagnostic tool. Speak to a dentist in Sterling Heights about your concerns so that you can be given the right information. After all, good dental care starts with you and your dentist having the right information about what is going on in your mouth.

 

The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Treatments

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The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Treatments

Are you uncomfortable about the discoloration of your teeth and you want to select a teeth whitening treatment to improve your smile? Read on and discover the pros and cons of some of the common procedures that are available for whitening your teeth in Sterling Heights.

Teeth Whitening Strips

You can whiten your teeth by applying teeth whitening strips on your teeth for about half an hour each day. The procedure may require up to two weeks for results to show. Some brands of teeth whitening strips don’t need to be removed from the teeth since those strips can dissolve.

Teeth whitening strips have several advantages. First, they are suitable for people with sensitive gums since these strips contain a small amount of bleaching agents. Secondly, the strips are affordable and can be bought from any drugstore, pharmacy or dentist in Sterling Heights. Teeth whitening strips are also convenient because you can choose when you apply them each day.

However, teeth whitening strips also have some shortcomings. For example, the strips only whiten the teeth surfaces that they touch. Consequently, hard-to-reach segments of the teeth, such as the areas between teeth, may remain untouched by the strips. Secondly, they aren’t suitable for someone who wants quick results since the mild bleaching agent requires about two weeks for results to show.

Teeth Whitening Mouthwashes

You can also use teeth whitening mouthwashes to get a brighter smile. These mouthwashes contain a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide. The usage instructions vary from one manufacturer to another, but they generally require the user to rinse the mouth twice a day (after brushing). You simply swish the mouthwash in your mouth for about a minute.

Teeth whitening mouthwashes have the advantage of only requiring about two minutes each day. The teeth whitening mouthwashes are also mild on your enamel as they work to whiten your teeth. Furthermore, the rinses eliminate bad breath.

However, teeth whitening mouthwashes require longer (more than a month) for results to show since you only swish that product briefly in your mouth. The teeth whitening mouthwash may also irritate your gums due to the high amount of alcohol in the mouth rinse.

In-Chair Teeth Whitening

Another alternative to whitening your teeth is the in-chair whitening treatment at the office of your dentist in Sterling Heights. Your dentist will apply a teeth whitening gel and accelerate its effectiveness by shining a UV light on your teeth. You will have your brighter smile in just an hour.

In-chair teeth whitening produces instant results. Additionally, the controlled dental office environment in which the treatment is done ensures that adequate precautions will be taken to protect you from any risks associated with the whitening gel. The method is also convenient since you can have whiter teeth in just an hour.

However, in-chair teeth whitening does have its drawbacks. For example, this method is the most expensive among the teeth whitening options available in Sterling Heights. Secondly, not everyone can undergo the treatment since the dentist must first assess you for any risk factors, such as gum disease, which can make the treatment unsafe for you. The outcomes of in-chair dental whitening aren’t permanent, so you may need to repeat the treatment every two years.

At-Home Dental Whitening Kits

At-home teeth whitening kits usually contain a dental tray, a bleaching gel as well as an accelerator light. Your task is to follow the usage instructions provided and wear the dental tray for anywhere between half an hour to a full hour each day. You can see results in about a week.

Dental experts at Horizon Dental Group agree that one big advantage of at-home teeth whitening kits is that you can achieve professional-looking results from the comfort of your home. The kits can also turn your teeth several shades brighter within a week. The dental whitening kits are affordable when compared to getting the same results during an in-chair treatment. 

The biggest drawback of at-home teeth whitening kits is that the outcomes will vary depending on the quality of the product that you purchase. Many people also find it inconveniencing to set aside about an hour each day to wear the tray.

As you can see, each teeth whitening treatment comes with its own unique pros and cons. It is therefore advisable for you to contact a dentist in Sterling Heights or any nearby dentist for advice on the best option to use. You will then get the smile of your dreams cost-effectively.

 

Are Oral Health Issues Genetic?

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Are oral health issues genetic?

Should you thank (or blame) your parents for the state of your dental health? In other words, are oral health issues genetic?

Patterns and behaviors in the family, while you were growing up, can influence your dental health for life.

For one, studies have shown that children who were taught good dental hygiene early will most likely be diligent in their adulthood. As such, they get to enjoy stronger, better-looking teeth and gums than their peers who were not as meticulous about dental care.     

Aside from family habits, genetics also play a key role in determining oral health.  

Dental experts at Laurich Dentistry agree that you can be prone to certain teeth and gum conditions if these are in your genes. Add environmental risk factors in the mix, and you can most likely catch the dental problem that most of the people in your family also have.

The following are some of the dental conditions that have been associated with genetics:

Tooth decay  

What to do: Go to your dentist for professional cleaning on a regular basis. Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatment (especially for teens) and may prescribe the use of toothpaste and mouthwash with strong anti-cavity formulation.

Periodontal disease

What to do: If there is gum disease in your family, make sure to share the information with your dentist when talking about your medical history. This way, your dentist can focus on preventive measures and early detection. As such, regular dental checkups are a must.

Bad bite

What to do: Misaligned, crooked, crowded or missing teeth can cause a bad bite. If this is common in your family, tell your dentist about it for orthodontic checkup and treatment as early as possible.

Oral cancer

What to do: Know that oral cancer is largely associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. But genetics also play a role, especially if combined with those lifestyle risk factors.

Going to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist that offers oral cancer screening services is an important self-care procedure. Regular oral cancer screening is recommended even if you don’t have a family history of the condition.

Talk to your dentist

The best dentist in Sterling Heights, MI dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will not only treat your dental problems as they come. Instead, they will be proactive about knowing more about you, your dental health background and your goals about your dental health.

Go to a dentist who can provide the care and help that suits your unique needs. This way, you prevent serious dental problems – whether they’re genetic or not.

Should I go to the Dentist If I’m Sick?

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Should I Go to the Dentist If I’m Sick?

You have made the appointment. And to prepare for it, you have made the necessary arrangements: requested for a day off work, arranged for childcare at home, or put your business dealings on hold (or in the hands of a capable deputy). You have also rescheduled your other things to do so you can make time for much-needed dental care.

But a few days before your scheduled visit to the dentist, you begin to feel under the weather. The sniffles are non-stop, the headache starts to throb, your limbs are jelly, and you feel a fever creeping in.

You start to question: Should I go to the dentist if I’m sick?    

It’s a valid question and one that needs a proper answer because it involves not just your health and safety, but also the health and safety of your dental care providers. Without the necessary precautions, your illness can get worse or lead to complications. At the same time, if it’s contagious, it can potentially spread to the dental team and even to the other people present in the clinic, too. To make the right decision, there are some factors you should consider. We asked our friends at Laurich Dentistry to see their thoughts.

What to Take Into Consideration

  • If your illness affects the respiratory area and particularly the throat and mouth, it may be time to cancel the appointment. When you’re coughing and sneezing as the dentist works in close contact with your mouth and nose, the infection can quickly spread.
  • If you have a cold, undergoing dental treatments while suffering from a runny or stuffed nose can make it difficult for you to breathe.
  • If you have a cold sore, it can be exposed to irritation during dental procedures. At the same time, your dentist and nurse may also be exposed to viruses from the cold sore, especially if proper precautions were not taken.
  • If you have flu symptoms such as high fever, body pains, headache, chills, and fatigue, it may be best to reschedule. This is because the general recommendation for people with flu is to avoid going to public places to prevent infecting other people in the vicinity.

If you feel sick during the days prior to your dentist appointment at Dental One Care, take note and list down your symptoms. Call the dental office in advance and share your list of symptoms so your dentist can determine whether or not you are fit to proceed with the appointment. Should the latter turn out to be the best route, for now, your trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will be happy to reschedule your session to the nearest available date.  

When To Call The Dentist About Your Wisdom Teeth

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When To Call The Dentist About Your Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth usually appear when a person is between the ages of 17 to 25. While they are coming out, they may cause short-term pain, similar to the discomfort you feel from the eruption of your other teeth.

However, the appearance of wisdom teeth is often marked by other types and levels of discomfort and inconvenience. Whether they have fully erupted or not yet, you need to know when to call the dentist about your wisdom teeth.  

Below are five signs that indicate you need to have your wisdom teeth checked by your dentist immediately:

You feel constant pain in the back of your mouth

As already mentioned, the eruption of wisdom teeth often causes aches and pains. They usually go away, especially once the teeth have fully erupted. However, if the pain lingers, you have to see your dentist as soon as possible. He or she will determine if the wisdom tooth is causing the pain or if something else is behind it.

If a wisdom tooth is impacted, which means the tooth came through at an angle or only partially pushed through the gum, this comes with a great deal of pain and can cause an infection. In this instance, your dentist will recommend a wisdom tooth extraction.

Your wisdom teeth are not straight

If your wisdom teeth did not grow or erupt straight, they could cause the adjacent teeth to move. They may even damage your other healthy teeth.

In most cases, removing the crooked wisdom teeth will prevent the other teeth from being damaged.

You have difficulties eating or chewing

If you constantly experience pain while eating or chewing, you need to see your dentist immediately as well. Our dental friends at Laurich Dentistry says that food could be getting stuck in between the gums and the tops of your wisdom teeth. If you can’t clean these areas thoroughly, you will have a bigger problem in the future.

Your dentist will be able to recommend the right products to fix this problem. If your dentist can’t find the suitable solution, extraction may be the best solution.

Your gums are inflamed

Some wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue that resides next to the tooth when they start erupting. This gum tissue can trap small pieces of food and bacteria. This, in turn, will cause the tissue around the teeth to become hard and inflamed and difficult to clean. This is condition is called pericoronitis.

When this type of dental problem occurs, Dr. Farhat, a dentist from Sterling Heights, says that extraction is usually the best treatment option.

Your wisdom teeth have cavities

Finally, the position of your wisdom teeth can also make it hard for you to clean them properly. If you can’t keep them thoroughly clean through brushing and flossing, the gums will become irritated. Pockets can then develop between the teeth and cause bacteria to grow. This will then encourage the growth of cavities leading to tooth decay and infection.

If you’re in Michigan and you notice one or more of these signs on your wisdom teeth, visit Dental 1 Care straightaway. Our dentists will diagnose and provide the best treatment option to address your specific dental problem.

Dental 101: The 4 Best Ways to Clean Retainers

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Retainers are among the more commonly prescribed dental devices for teeth straightening. And one dilemma users face is cleaning properly their retainers.

Ensuring your retainers are correctly cleaned and hygienic is paramount as they can become breeding grounds for bad breath-causing bacteria and provide surface adhesion for tartar.

With the expert advice of Dr. Farhat, an experienced orthodontist in Sterling Heights, we talk about the four best ways to clean retainers:

1. The good old toothbrush and toothpaste combo

Some people assume that using a toothbrush to clean retainers is a no-no as it is believed to be abrasive. However, using your toothbrush is actually the most effective way of getting rid of the tartar which attaches itself to your teeth, gumline and, of course, your retainers.

Just be sure to use toothpaste that only has natural ingredients and is free from glycerin, polyethylene microbeads, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and triclosan. Gently brush your retainers with toothpaste and rinse with water before putting them back on for the night.

2. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash soak

If you plan on using mouthwash to sanitize your retainers, be sure that it is alcohol and SLS-free. Also, use one that is clear to avoid any discoloration on your retainers. You can soak your retainers in mouthwash for an hour, and then gently brush them after removing them from the liquid.

3. Denture cleaner

You can use regular denture cleaner to clean your retainers. Polident, Iondent, Efferdent, and Dentasoak are denture cleaning products you can use on your retainers. Just follow the package instructions and gently brush your retainers afterward during rinsing.

4. Baking soda and white vinegar

Considered natural cleaning agents, baking soda mixed with distilled water and white vinegar can also be used for safely and effectively cleaning your retainers.

Just mix together two tablespoons of white vinegar with 3/4 cups of distilled water, and then add a teaspoon of baking soda. You can soak your retainers in the mixture for about 10 minutes. Afterward, brush your retainers with a soft brush and rinse them with cool water.

Our friends at Horizon Dental Group suggest another option. Alternatively, you can also mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 3 parts water in a plastic cup or a glass. Soak your retainers in the mixture for 15 minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush.

What to Avoid

No matter how tough your retainers may seem, treat them with a little TLC so they serve their purpose. Try not to use the following in cleaning them:

  • Cleaning agents with alcohol, SLS, bleach and the like
  • Boiling or very hot water
  • Dishwashers

If you need more information on maintaining your retainers, be sure to get in touch with your dentist for the most reliable advice out there.

How To Maintain Healthy Gums

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How To Maintain Healthy Gums

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, many make the mistake of focusing only on taking care of their teeth. But to have healthy teeth, you need to have healthy gums, too.

Aside from being the foundation of having healthy teeth, your gums also play an important role in your overall health. The condition of your gums impacts your cardiovascular system. Your gum health affects your bones as well.

As such, if you want to avoid developing cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, it is important that you take care of your gums, too.

Taking Care of Your Gums

If you want to know how to maintain healthy gums, here are five useful tips for doing so:

Brush properly twice a day

Brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Make sure you brush 30 minutes after eating your meal. Ensure you brush for at least two minutes and that you cover all areas, especially the back teeth which are most susceptible to cavity formation.

Consider getting a battery-powered or electric toothbrush. They are more effective in reducing gingivitis and plaque more than a manual toothbrush.

Lastly, change your toothbrush or toothbrush heads every three to four months or when the bristles start to fray.

Floss once daily

Flossing will remove the food particles stuck in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach or get rid of.

However, always be careful when flossing. A dentist in Sterling Heights says that applying too much force can cause gum bleeding. A cut in the gums can also increase the risk of bacterial infection.

Stop smoking

Studies show that smoking is linked to the onset of gum disease. Tobacco also weakens the immune system which makes it more difficult to fight off a gum infection. Lastly, smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they are damaged.

If you want to have healthy gums and better overall health, start by quitting smoking now.

Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash daily

Gargling with an antibacterial and anti-gingivitis mouthwash can help reduce plaque, remove bacteria from your mouth, and prevent gingivitis. Our friends in Shreveport, said rinsing with mouthwash also removes food debris from your mouth, thereby making it cleaner.

When choosing your mouthwash, pick one that is alcohol-free. Dr. Farhat explains that a mouthwash that contains alcohol can cause an initial burning sensation and leave an unpleasant taste and bouts of dryness in your mouth.

Get professional cleaning twice a year

There will be instances wherein brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are not enough to stop harmful bacteria from accumulating. A professional cleaning twice a year will remove plaque and tartar on your teeth and near the gum line. Because of this, your gums and teeth will be healthier.

Before your dentist cleans your teeth, he or she will also check the health of your gums. Your dentist will see if you have any gum disease and recommend the necessary steps to prevent it from worsening.

Visiting your Sterling Heights dentist regularly will help you keep periodontal diseases at bay and maintain healthy gums. If you want to be sure your gums are in peak health, schedule an appointment at Dental 1 Care as soon as possible.

Does Smoking Marijuana Lead To Gum Disease?

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Does Smoking Marijuana Lead To Gum Disease?

A survey conducted last year showed that around 78 million Americans smoke or have tried marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Although smoking weed is legal in some states and it has certain benefits including relief for chronic pain and muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis, frequent use and abuse can lead to different health issues. One of these is poor dental health. We spoke to our friends at Laurich Dentistry about this topic.

Frequent use of marijuana (especially for recreational purposes) can cause teeth stains, bad breath, cottonmouth (dry mouth), and mouth cancers. It can also cause gum disease.

But how does smoking marijuana lead to gum disease?

A study showed that both tobacco and recreational marijuana users are at risk of periodontal disease. Although there is still no clear evidence as to how weed specifically causes periodontitis, scientists speculate that the chemicals from the marijuana affect the immune system, the inflammation process, and bacterial flora in the mouth. This is similar to the effects of smoking on a person’s gum health.

It is also worth mentioning that marijuana usually has 430 to 460 different compounds in it – more than what a cigarette contains. This increases the risk of gum disease for frequent marijuana users.

Periodontitis can lead to serious dental issues such as:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen or puffy gums
  • Receding gums
  • The development of space between teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Teeth sensitivity
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Loss of teeth

Gum Disease Prevention

If you smoke marijuana for recreational reasons, you can improve and maintain the good conditions of your gums by quitting. Once you do, you will see an improvement in gum health. You will also slow the painful wear on enamel which causes tooth sensitivity. Lastly, you will have better chances of retaining your natural teeth now and in the future.  

You can get healthier gums and teeth by following the additional tips below:

  • Practice good oral hygiene habits every day. Brush at least twice daily and floss once a day.
  • Improve your diet. Boost your consumption of dairy, fresh vegetables and fruits, and foods rich in probiotics every day. These foods will fight off the effects of plaque acids on your teeth. They will also boost your immune system to help fight gum disease.
  • Drink plenty of water. A hydrated mouth is a healthy mouth.
  • Use an alcohol-free mouthwash with antibacterial properties.
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning.

If you use marijuana for medical purposes, consult with your Sterling Heights dentist on how you can minimize the effects of this drug on your oral health. 

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