Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Tooth is Fixed!!!! Thank Goodness ...

One of my best friends from childhood is a Periodontist. He tells me there is a growing body of evidence which suggests smoking and periodontal disease are closely linked.

Smokers have more of the harmful bacteria that causes periodontal disease, and they are four times more likely to have advanced periodontal disease. (All the more reason to NOT smoke -- right?)

According to Dr. Brad, smoking is the single major preventable risk factor for periodontal disease. Smoking can cause bone loss and gum recession even in the absence of periodontal disease. The risk of periodontal disease increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Smoking cigars and pipes carries the same risks as smoking cigarettes.

The excruciating pain and then sudden relief of having the root canal can really only be compared to watching Kate Gosselin getting voted off Dancing With the Stars!!!