Archive for May, 2011

What You Should Know About Oral Health

May 30th, 2011

Dental professionals from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) have identified seven common misconceptions associated with oral health

(1) The primary reason for brushing is to remove food debris. (daily brushing and flossing also minimize the formation of plaque which over time can irritate the gums)

(2) Bleeding gums are normal. (they should serve as a warning sign of gum disease)

(3) Oral health doesn’t affect overall health. (when the gums are infected, bacterial byproducts can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs triggering other problems such as heart disease)

(4) Bad breath is caused by a lack of oral hygiene. (some people forget to brush their tongue where much of the bad breath bacteria reside) » Read more: What You Should Know About Oral Health

The Link Between Oral Health and Smoking

May 28th, 2011

Is there a link between oral health and smoking Aside from the cosmetic appearance of your teeth when you smoke, what other effects does smoking have Let’s break it down one by one.

First off, let’s start with the obvious effects smoking has with regards to oral health. If you are a smoker, or are planning to be one, be aware that smoking causes your teeth to yellow. Not only that, it also causes your gums to blacken. And we all know that the colors yellow and black mean danger. Then there is the problem of bad breath. Obviously smoking causes bad breath. Especially when it sticks to your gums and teeth. Talk about worst breath, and there you have it.

Then there are the not so obvious effects. You see, what many people don’t know is that problems with your oral health can affect your physical health. It can even cause cardiovascular diseases. Now, smoking can cause that too, but combine that with the oral disease that can cause it, which in turn is cause by smoking, then you have a double whammy right there. » Read more: The Link Between Oral Health and Smoking