Dental Health Tips For Those Who Smoke
AppointmentsTobacco and Your Oral Health
Smoking is the number one worst bad dental habit!
Each day, more than 3,000 kids, over one million a year, become regular smokers. One-third of them will die prematurely from tobacco-related diseases. Several factors contribute to this national health epidemic, including the roughly $5 billion tobacco companies spend each year on advertising and marketing to attract new smokers. More than 30% of our population smokes or chews. This deadly addiction kills more than 400,000 Americans each year. More than 90% of all regular smokers began using tobacco at or before age 18!
Stop smoking and chewing.
Regular checkups-every 3 months by your dentist for oral cancer examination and professional cleanings.
Use a mouthwash that is alcohol free and has a antibacterial agent in it, like BreathRX.
Floss daily (only 33% of people floss). Try the automatic flosser by Waterpik if you do not floss regularly.
Brush your teeth using an ultrasonic toothbrush 2 times a day, especially in the area where you chew, both before and after. Most importantly brush before you go to bed. (You swallow 3,000 a day while you are awake. Saliva helps neutralize the acids in your mouth. You only swallow about 30 times at night leaving your mouth dry and creating a great environment for dental decay) Brush for 2 to 5 minutes, especially being careful to thoroughly clean at the gum line. Use a timer because most people only brush 20 sec!
Are you seriously considering quitting in the next 30 days? If you say no you are not ready to quit.
If you have any of these symptoms, perform an oral cancer self examination by:
Checking for any sores on your face, neck or mouth that do not heal within two weeks.
White, red or dark patches in your mouth. Use your fingers to pull out your cheek by taking your index finger on the inside of your check and your thumb on the outside and gently squeeze and roll your check with your fingers to check for these items, do this to both checks. Look in a mirror at the roof of your mouth by tilting your head back and with your mouth open looks for discoloration or lumps.
Swellings, lumps or bumps on your lips, gums, or other areas in your mouth. You can do this by pulling your lower dip down and look inside for any sores or color changes and feel for lumps, do this with your upper lip too.
Numbness, pain or loss of feeling in any area of your mouth.
Check your tongue and floor of your mouth. Pull your tongue gently out and look at each side, top and underside for color changes and feel for any lumps or swelling.
If you find anything unusual call us immediately and tell our receptionist about your findings so we can get you in quickly.
To learn more about the negative consequences of smoking and dental health, visit these resources:
Smokers are more than FOUR TIMES more likely to develop periodontal disease than nonsmokers!
Tobacco Quitline Information
Smoking Kills!
Call 1-866-632-7848 for information, support and follow-up calls as often as you need, anytime, day or night. Certified counselors will develop a personalized "Quit Plan" to help you by setting specific goals and target dates for quitting and strategies for starving off cravings. Follow up calls are offered on a regular schedule to provide ongoing support, advice and encouragement. There is no limit to the number of follow up sessions or calls for support. All information is confidential.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be construed as the delivery of dental/medical care and is not a substitute for personal hands on dental/medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. Persons requiring diagnosis, treatment, or with specific questions are urged to contact your family dental/health care provider for appropriate care. This site is privately and personally sponsored, funded and supported by Dr. John Ritota. We have no outside funding. Confidentiality of data including your identity, is respected by this Web site. We undertake to honor or exceed the legal requirements of medical/health information privacy that apply in Florida.