Dangers of Dipping Tobacco on Oral Health

By Arthur Kezian

Smoking is dangerous for your dental health. Chewing tobacco can be even more dangerous to your oral health. There are many instances of smoking addicts transitioning themselves to healthier less nicotine system of chewing, dipping and snubbing. The sooner you stop snubbing and dipping the tobacco, the better oral health you will have. Dr. Kezian dentist and staffs explains a range of consequence that people using tobacco can have in the future.

Dangers within Smokeless Tobacco

A person should first understand the fact that tobacco is comprised of harmful carcinogens and toxins irrespective of whether it is smoked or chewed. Results are the same. Chewing tobacco can lead the person to have a range of illnesses in the future. This might range from oral cancer which is the worst type of cancer a person can have on their teeth and mouth to gum disease which is another popular condition caused because of smoking and chewing.

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer is the worst form of disease that is caused by the carcinogens present in tobacco.

·         The likelihood of oral cancer can be detected through oral cancer screenings which is commonly done by most of the dental offices. The visible form of this disease appears in the form of sore on the mouth that will bleed and would not heal with respect to time.
·         The cancer would be formed on any area depending up on the area where the tobacco has been used excessively. The most usual portions in the mouth where the cancer is usually found to be affected include gums, cheek, tongue or throat.

Leukoplakia is a precancerous condition which can be treated and corrected. It is usually caused by the juices of tobacco and is visible in the form of white spots present in gums, cheeks and tongues. It is good to immediately schedule an appointment with Dr. Kezian facility in Los Angeles for the diagnosis of Leukoplakia.

Gum Disease

Gum Disease is another disease caused through chewing tobacco. It is especially caused through sugars from tobacco which is capable of feeding harmful bacteria that produces tooth decaying acids. This tooth decaying acids will then cause cavities, mouth sores and finally gum disease. For a regular user of smokeless tobacco, possibility is high for them to get affected with gum recession. It usually occurs when the tobacco comes in continuous contact with the gum tissues.

·         Gum Disease is also popularly known as Periodontal disease and if untreated would lead to dental complications such as sensitive teeth, loose teeth, cavities and even teeth loss. The first form of gum disease is known as Gingivitis in which the person can witness gum bleeding at the time of brushing. Other symptoms include deep purple or red gum tissue. The gums are also seen appearing as swollen and sensitive most of the times.
·         The periodontal diseases play a major role in destroying the connective tissues and thereby causing the teeth in becoming loose on their sockets as the pockets goes deeper.
·         The most common form of treatments for the gum disease includes periodontal care, scaling and root planning. The periodontal pockets are usually cleaned by the dentist in removing the gingival infection and this process is known as scaling or deep cleaning.

Cosmetic effects

Chewing smokeless tobacco can have cosmetic implications on the personality of the person suffering from it.

·         The most important among them includes change in the colour of teeth that can tarnish their appearance during social interactions.
·         In addition to it, Bad Breath is another cosmetic problem caused from  excessive tobacco usage.

These symptoms can be prevented to a greater extent by having regular dental check up and thereby maintaining proper dental hygiene by visiting Dr. Kezian and staff in Los Angeles.

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

-N.S.

Enamel Erosion: What Is It And How To Prevent It?

By Arthur Kezian

For people who are fans of drinking lemonade, soda water or other energy drinks, Dr. Kezian has some good advice for you. These drinks may seem refreshing for the hot summer, but they surely do not leave a good impact on your teeth. These drinks are the main reason of Enamel Erosion, a dental health problem that can invite other health problems too. So they are not good for your oral hygiene.

Enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth that we can see or touch. The main objective of this layer is to protect the inner sensitive layer of dentin from harmful bacteria. Enamel is transparent, so the color of teeth that we see is not because of enamel, but actually it is because of sensitive inner part. Drinking of soda water, lemonade or energy drinks causes enamel of the teeth to erode. If this layer is damaged or lost, then chances are pretty higher that you will get infected with other problems too. For example: cavities, tooth decay, gum disease and many other dental problems. This problem is commonly seen in youth, because usage of all the above listed drinks is especially common among them.

What Causes Enamel Erosion?

The most common reason of enamel erosion is usage of acid beverages, but it is not the only reason. There are other reasons too, which include:

·         Dry Mouth or low saliva production

·         Excessive input of starch or sugar in diet

·         Acid reflux disease

·         Gastrointestinal problems

·         Environmental Factors

Some other reasons also exist, but they are not that much common. For example: Medications and Genetics.

What Are Environmental Causes Of Enamel Erosion?

Environmental causes of enamel erosion are given below:

·         Friction

·         Tear and Wear

·         Corrosion

·         Stress

Symptoms Of Enamel Erosion:

Symptoms may vary, but some common symptoms include:

·         Sensitivity against sweets, hot or cold foods

·         Discoloration in yellow color

·         Cracks and chips

·         Cupping on the surface of teeth

Can Plaque Cause Enamel Erosion?

·         A single mistake in dental care invites so many problems at one. So the answer to this question is, yes.

·         This happens because sometimes bacteria present in plaque changes food starches into acids.

·         When this happens, acids start eating the healthy minerals of enamel. This causes enamel to become pitted.

·         When erosion grows, pits become larger in size.

Protection Method 1: Rinse With Water:

·         Always remember, brushing your teeth just after the consumption of acid beverages will not give you relief. Instead, it will leave a reverse effect and will spread the acid around tooth surface. For good oral care, first rinse your mouth well with water. This will wash away the acid present on your teeth.

·         Brush your teeth after 2 hours of consumption. Sooner than that will not help you.

·         Chewing sugar free gum is also a helpful thing because it increases the saliva production which will help in washing away the acid.

Protection Method 2: Make Use Of A Straw:

·         Using a straw while drinking acid beverages will also help a lot. It will nearly bypass the entire problem because the acid will not touch your teeth.

·         Also avoid swishing of beverage in your mouth.

Protection Method 3: Use Fluoride:

·         Fluoride helps in strengthening the enamel. It also helps a lot in recovering the enamel you have lost because of erosion.

·         There are several ways of using fluoride for your teeth. For example, you can use fluoride toothpaste or you can also take a fluoride treatment Dr. Kezian and staff.

Enamel Erosion can become a severe situation that will harm your teeth and overall health for a long time. For avoiding enamel erosion, ensure that you follow a good oral hygiene and avoid usage of acid beverages. And if you can visit Dr. Kezian for regular checkups after every 6 months, then it will be a lot better.

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

-N.S.

Dental Visits Can Prevent Oral Cancer

By Arthur Kezian

Annual dental visits are not just for checking the health of your teeth and gums but are used as early prevention for diagnosing oral cancer. If it is diagnosed or caught early on, your chances of survival are much better. Dr. Kezian suggests that every individual gets at least two Dentist appointments yearly, unless otherwise noted. Although going to the Dentist can seem annoying or even scary, you will be thankful that you decided to go instead of delay or postpone your annual cleaning. If you have any family history of cancer of the mouth; you will want to go to the Dentist possibly a few more times yearly than the average person. If you have questions or concerns, make sure that you ask your Dentist about the importance of Dental visits.

What Causes This Cancer?

·         Your risks factors for getting oral cancer rise rapidly if you smoke, chew tobacco, or have a family history of it.

·         It is caused by using these substances in excess which can cause the oral cavity of your mouth to develop this cancer.

Symptoms:

·         The following symptoms are possible signs of developing oral cancer

·         Splotchy lesions that are in your mouth; ulcers that have not healed up after a few days; changes in your voice or your ease of biting/chewing; hoarseness that does not go away; and lumps that develop in your neck and throat

·         If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit Dr. Kezian and staff immediately so they can assess your health and the diagnose the possibility of cancer.

Preventing Cancer:

·         You can prevent this cancer by the following means -

·         Scheduling annual dental visits which will keep you in the constant care of a trained and professional Dentist who can catch any symptoms early on;

·         Reducing your in-take of alcohol or tobacco – studies have shown that too much alcohol and tobacco can cause oral cancer

·         Choosing not to go to tanning beds/use fake tanner on your lips will drastically reduce your probability of getting this cancer due to the chemicals that are found in them;

·         And, most importantly, if somebody in your genetic line has had oral cancer, make sure to stay in communication with a Dentist that you trust so that you will not be affected by and that it is caught sooner than later.

If you choose to keep a close eye on your oral health, you should first begin with an annual dental checkup as this is the number one sure fire way to prevent or slow down the spread of this cancer. When you go to the Dentist, talk to them about your concerns about this cancer and make sure that he or she know what they are talking about when they answer you. If they do not, find a new Dentist – one who is an expert in diagnosing it. Your dental and physical health depends upon having a good, trust-worthy Dentist who understands and knows about this cancer.

So, if you have a genetic history of family members who have had cancer of the mouth; you should be extremely vigilant in stopping any further influences that could cause this cancer. You should choose to stop going to tanning beds and you should limit your in-take of alcohol and tobacco. Cancer is never something to mess around with and you must know the symptoms of it – oral cancer has symptoms of white lesions that do not go away in your mouth; lumps on your throat and neck; hoarseness in your voice; and voice or bite changes. If you experience these, visit Dr. Kezian immediately to get annual dental checkups.

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

-N.S.

Three Reasons to Choose Dental Implants

By Arthur Kezian

In the history of implant dentistry, the use of dental implants has been increasingly proved to be the best restorative option for missing teeth. They play a vital role in improving the appearance, health, and function of the smile. It can be hard to accept the fact that a person lost their teeth due to tooth decay or advanced gum disease. However, the oral health of a person mostly depends on replacement of the damaged tooth as early as possible. Dr. Kezian is a well known dental implant dentist in Los Angeles who deals with remedies for missing teeth through dental implantation techniques. If the empty space is left in the mouth, it can have adverse consequences in the future. These consequences include an increased rate of diseases in the mouth, a misaligned bite along with painful TMJ dysfunction, and also lower self-esteem.

Dental Implants which Function as Natural Teeth

Unlike dentures and bridges that replace only the part of the tooth that is visible, an implant specialist will ensure restoration of the support structure that is present under the gum line in the patient’s mouth.

·         It is designed in such a way that it replaces both tooth root and crown.
·         It provides a high level of stability without any need for readjustment.
·         During the first phase, the implant is placed into the jawbone by an experienced oral surgeon, thus, the jawbone is also supported.
·         An implant dentist will then cap the implant. This will be done during the second phase.

Dental Implant Influence Appearance

Missing teeth may look cute when it comes to little kids, however, in adults, missing teeth can make them look aged and unhealthy.

·         This can seriously tarnish one’s personality. Through dental implants, a person can regain their confidence. When your teeth are healthy and aligned, you tend to smile more. This in turn can reduce the level of stress and symptoms of depression at a faster pace.

Dental Implants Influence Health

Implant dentistry is the only way in which a person can ensure good jaw health unlike dentures and bridges which only take care of the pain associated with dental drift.

·         Even though dental implants can prove to be expensive compared to traditional dentures, they can ensure the teeth and jaw remain healthier in the long term.
·         When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone will be the most prone for deterioration. A dental implant is usually implemented towards the jawbone, thereby taking the position of the missing tooth root. This eventually leads to bone tissues remaining healthier.
·         Dental implants are also the least prone to any kind of decay as long as proper oral care is provided for the teeth.

For a single missing tooth, one implant along with a crown can replace it. For the replacement of several teeth, supported implant bridges are usually provided. For the replacement of full missing teeth, a full implant denture would be used. If you have missing teeth, don’t wait any longer, make a call and change your life.

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

-N.S.