Dental Health – Effects of Smoking

By Arthur Kezian

Tobacco products are known to be very harmful. Everyone knows the effect they have on the lungs and the heart, but what a lot of people don’t know is that it is far more than that. Smoking also affects your bones, vision, blood, and autoimmune system. Smoking can also cause cancer of the lungs, stomach, nose, mouth, throat, and other areas of the body. Smoking can also cause dental problems. If you are a smoker and think it is important to take care of your body as well as pay importance to your dental care, then maybe it is time you not only consider quitting, but try your best to quit.

Smoking leads to dental problems such as:

• An increase of dental plaque on your teeth
• An increased risk of gum disease
• An increased risk of developing oral cancer
• Inflammation of your salivary glands
• Constant bad breath
• Tooth discoloration and staining 

The list above just goes to show how smoking can affect your dental health in so many ways. One main danger that tobacco products can bring is oral cancer; about 90% of people who have oral cancer use or have used tobacco. It is said that smokers are six times more likely to get oral cancer than nonsmokers. If you think your health is important, then quitting smoking will benefit you in so many ways. Even reducing the amount you smoke can help you. Smokers who go from smoking a pack a day to less than half a pack a day reduce their risk of getting oral cancer or gum disease. Ask your dental office about some helpful tips on reducing smoking and taking small steps to quitting.

Another danger that tobacco products can bring is the increase of gum disease as it is harmful to your gum tissue cells. Smoking affects the connection of your bones and your soft tissue to your teeth. This makes smokers more prone to getting infections in the mouth, such as gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease that only affects the gums, and if not taken care of, can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This gum recession causes deep pockets where bacteria can reside; this bacteria can damage the bone that supports your teeth. Overtime, your teeth will get loose because of the lack of support and will have to be pulled out or will fall out on their own. It is important to prevent this from happening. Having routine check-ups with your dentist is crucial, especially if you are a chain-smoker.

Apart from the damage cigarettes can do to your oral health, they also cause damage esthetically. If you care about the looks of your teeth, then smoking is something you should try to do without. For many people, smoker stains are a very common side-effect. Whitening your teeth or using toothpastes with whiteners can change the look of your teeth, but if you continue to smoke and do not get the stains cleaned by your dentist, the whitening will only mask the staining.

Quitting smoking will also cure bad breath. Many smokers experience a specific odor that may bug them and others as well. It is a very unpleasant feeling knowing that the people around you can be affected by your breath. Not only is your breath a problem to them, but they are also inhaling second-hand smoke. Think about your overall health and consider quitting if you haven’t already. If you can’t quit for yourself, maybe you can try to quit for the sake of the people around you. You will be doing yourself, your family, your friends, and everyone else you spend time with a great favor!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com

 

-N.S.

Oral Health during Pregnancy

By Arthur Kezian

Keeping your teeth and gums in good condition is very important, and it’s twice as important during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there are many hormonal changes in the body that may increase the risk of gingivitis, a type of gum disease. A severe case of gum disease can affect the health of a developing baby.

To make sure you are on top of your oral health, you should try to visit your dentist during three different periods: before, during, and after pregnancy.  Keeping up with your dental visits before you are pregnant can eliminate future problems. Be proactive and get your teeth cleaned, gum tissue and bone level checked, as well as a full mouth examination. This way, you can take care of your oral health in advance and maintain it.

You should avoid dental appointments during the first trimester and second half of your third trimester because these are vital times for the baby’s growth and development. However, during the second trimester, you should visit your dentist and have your gums examined as well as have a thorough cleaning (optional procedures should be put off until after you have delivered the baby).

It is important to keep up with your regular periodontal examinations (especially during pregnancy). Pay very close attention to your gums. During pregnancy, about 60% of women experience pregnancy gingivitis. An increase in hormone levels can also increase levels of plaque in the mouth. This amount of plaque build up can definitely affect the gums. If you notice tender, puffy, red or bleeding gums, those are major signs to visit your dentist. A dentist can see you, and if the case is extreme, you can be referred to a gum specialist. 

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are all twice as important during pregnancy. Be extra cautious and spend more time brushing your teeth, at least two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night before you go to bed. Floss in between your teeth very thoroughly, at least once a day, and try to use mouthwash to rinse out access bacteria. If you experience morning sickness during pregnancy and put off brushing because of that, try changing your toothpaste and getting one without much flavor; ask your dentist for any recommendations.

Dental X-Rays should be avoided during pregnancy, but if there is a dental emergency where an X-Ray is needed, don’t panic. As long as your dentist follows modern technological advances, as in uses digital X-Rays, then one or two X-Rays should be safe. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, keeps up with the latest technology. His dental X-Ray machines are top of the line machines and are all computerized. This means they have minimal radiation, are quick and easy, and show up on the screen in front of you right when the X-Ray is taken. Visit his office to see the difference.

After you have delivered your baby, it is still important to keep up with your dental visits. Of course with a new baby this can be difficult, but try to set aside a day for yourself and get your periodontal examination and cleaning.

For more information regarding oral health and pregnancy, call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian and staff. He is a dental professional with a staff that is more than happy to help you with all your questions. If you are looking for a dentist who will take care of you, you have found the right office.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com

 

-N.S.

Maintain Oral Health with Family Dentist

By Arthur Kezian

There is a belief that brushing and flossing will contribute to good oral health, but in reality, just brushing and flossing doesn't suffice. There are several precautions and efforts to be taken by a person in maintaining stronger teeth. Dr. Kezian recommends a dental exam in his office twice a year to reach good oral hygiene and maintain it. Oral health is as important as anything since it can greatly influence the personality of the person while attending any social gatherings or interviews. A smile can give a positive impression and teeth are what add beauty to it. Uneven or stained teeth can lead to embarrassment and depression because of the impact it can have among other things.

Oral Hygiene Basics

Brushing and flossing the teeth is above all, the most important thing.

It is said that there are a maximum of 10 to 15 billion bacteria present in the mouth of each an individual; there are 600 different identifiable types. Upon the accumulation of these bacteria, a thicker form of sticky bio film, popularly known as plaque, is formed.

·         Even though a majority of these identifiable bacteria are harmless, there are more than enough microbes that are malicious in nature and cause serious health issues for the individual if not taken care of properly. Some of the diseases that occur due to these microbes include gum disease and tooth decay. Visiting a dentist regularly can help maintain your oral health.
·         Brushing and flossing the teeth regularly helps in the prevention and control of this bacterial pollution to a greater extent, thereby preventing the damage caused when in large numbers.

Oral health Maintenance

Maintaining a good oral health is very important for people since not taking care of the mouth and teeth can lead to many complications and diseases.

·         Even for the person maintaining good oral hygiene, traces of plaque and food remains are still visible between the teeth. This usually happens when the food remains get accumulated in places where the brushes cannot reach with ease.
·         This, if not treated properly within 48 hours, results in the hardening of plaque which is also known as tartar. Tartar is an insoluble substance that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.
·         Most people do not initiate to have a dental exam unless and until they have major problems with their teeth. Dr. Kezian and his staff recommend visiting a dentist at least once every six months to have a detailed dental check up and cleaning.

The main objective of the dentist would be to remove the tartar or traces of plaque that cannot be removed by the person or brush because of its awkward positioning inside the teeth. This will greatly reduce the possibilities of oral health issues at a future stage. The check up will also cover other aspects in dental examinations such as detecting the early signs of tooth decay and disease.

A thorough examination with a dentist along with a cleaning during regular intervals would be beneficial for adults as well as young children. Maintaining good oral hygiene shows that the individual is health conscious and ensures good oral health.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Oral Health Keeps the Germs Away

By Arthur Kezian

The secret to good oral health is the partnership between a person and their dentist. Both of you play an important role in the maintaining of good dental health throughout your lifetime. Good dental health means a pain free life with strong gums, teeth and a healthy mouth helps your overall personality. Basic steps to prevent dental health problems start from the infancy stage and continue throughout your life and require commitment to a daily routine. Dr. Kezian is an expert in oral hygiene and has been educating people on how to maintain good dental health and live a trouble free life with a smile. Dr. Kezian and his staff educate people on the latest advanced technology and products on oral hygiene in his practice.

Door To Periodontal Disease:


·         Lack of dental health can create numerous diseases in the mouth like tooth decay, plaque, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorder and so on. Plaque normally develops when particles of food containing carbohydrates such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, cakes are left on the teeth. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on this and produce acids which destroy the tooth enamel and root and break down the bone support of the teeth.
·         Gingivitis or periodontal disease is caused due to plaque which develops inflammation in the gums and the bacteria formed enters the blood stream and affects the heart and brain. Studies have found that the bacteria in the arteries of heart and brain of Alzheimer patients stem from gum disease.
·         TMJ disease or temporomandibular joint disorder is created by acute plaque and gingivitis which affects the jaw joint and facial muscles. TMJ disease can cause massive tooth pain and gum problems which in turn affects chewing. Lack of dental hygiene can cause pregnant women to have a higher risk of premature delivery. Babies born prematurely run the risk of behavioral and developmental problems.

Sleep Disorder Due To Bad Dental Hygiene:

• Acute dental problems can create a symptom called Obstructive sleep apnea. Due to the failure of the brain to activate the muscles of breathing, reduction or cessation of breathing collapses the airway during sleep. Complications due to this can lead to high blood pressure, strokes, heart diseases and difficulty in concentrating, thinking and remembering.
• Good dental health should start from the infancy stage. Everybody including children should be encouraged to brush after every meal or at least twice a day. Flossing should be done every day after brushing to break the plaque between the teeth and under the gums which removes all the food particles missed during brushing. Flossing should be done with about 18 inches of floss wrapped around your middle finger and hand and work the floss up and down between the teeth. Flossing should be done below the gum line and every tooth in the mouth. People with bridges, braces and other dental fixtures may need a threader to clean the teeth with the help of a preventive dentist. Diet plays an important role in dental health. Food with the necessary vitamins and minerals should be consumed for healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.