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Smoking and Your Oral Health Marietta, GA

Smoking and Your Oral Health

There are simply no butts about it when it comes to smoking’s destructive effect on your oral health. Although much attention centers on its dangerous risk for lung damage, your teeth and gums are at risk as well. Your mouth is the first place that comes in contact with harmful nicotine during a smoke.

The primary oral health concern for smokers is gum disease. Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. In essence, when you choose to light up, you are allowing tobacco to disrupt the normal function of your gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more vulnerable to infections, such as periodontal disease. Remember that gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is the early signs of untreated gum disease. Periodontal disease, unlike gingivitis, is not always reversible. Once a tobacco user allows their habit to infiltrate their gums and cause gum disease, there are other health conditions that may come into the equation, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Gum disease is certainly not the only dental problem that smoking can create. Here is a list of other potential oral health complications that might make it worth putting down your cigarette:

  • Bad breath
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
  • Increased build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth
  • Increased loss of bone within the jaw
  • Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth
  • Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss
  • Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery
  • Lower success rate of dental implant procedures
  • Increased risk of developing oral cancer

Think you’re safe if you opt for smokeless tobacco products instead? Think again. Smokeless tobacco products such as snuff and chewing tobacco contain at least 28 chemicals that have been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer. Did you know that chewing tobacco contains higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes? Smokeless tobacco can irritate your gum tissue. It causing gum to recede and thus exposing your teeth roots which causes sensitivity and decay vulnerability.

We all know that smoking is a difficult habit to break. However, it can be done. It is never to late to stop using tobacco and prevent the havoc it wreaks on your oral health. A dentist, such as Gilreath Family Dentistry, can help patients reverse some of the damage that cigarettes leave behind through professional whitening, advanced gum disease treatment and more.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV, Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta

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Our Client Reviews
Gilreath Family Dentistry

Sarah Khatib

Dr. Daniel Lee is the best dentist I've seen. She's so considerate of your fear of the dentist and was so painless although multiple procedures were done at the same time to save me a visit. Will definitely be coming here for years to come Il!

Susan

Dr. Gilreath is incredible with my kids. They love going to the dentist now! And this busy mom loves the warm neck wraps, the soft music and enjoying a latte while I relax!

Kenneth H.

Was lucky enough to find these guys when I got insurance that my old dentist did not take. Very professional and friendly staff! Office has the latest greatest technology as well. If you're looking for a new dentist, search no further!

Susie L.

Very personable and friendly, they took the time to go over my complex dental history and did not pressure me into anything. They gave their recommendations and priced out any options I had. Great group!

Camille Y.

Dr. Gilreath and his staff are top notch. I received the best cleaning I've ever had while watching my favorite show. The Doctor and his staff were all very polite, friendly, and courteous. They explained everything to me clearly and presented me with options in a gentle way that didn't make me feel pressured at all. It's obvious they really care about the wellbeing of their patients. The facility and equipment is really nice as well. I will definitely be back!

Juan R.

Always willing to work around my kids and my schedules. Today I had a long appointment. They started on time and always made sure I was comfortable and that the pain was managed so the procedure could’ve been completed without issues. Very courteous and professional staff.

Lucia B.

Awesome dental practice! The staff is friendly and efficient. Dr. Gilreath is thorough and versed in the latest technology and procedures. I love that he can make crowns in the office while you wait (so no walking around with a temporary crown for days or weeks). I would strongly recommend this dental practice!

Matthew W.

I've been going here for about a little over a year now. I've had a few cleanings, a filling, and started Invisiline so far. Hands down, the best run dental office I've ever been to. In the past at other dental offices I often had to wait 30 or more minutes beyond my appointment time before being seen. At Dr. Gilreath's office I've been seen on time every time. They seem to have systems in place to make every part of your visit run smoothly. From how they took x-rays, to billing and appointments, to the work done by the hygienist/dentist, everything seems to run like a well oiled machine. On top of that all the staff are all friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The office space itself is also quite nice. Very clean, well maintained, and seems very "up to date" with their equipment. If you're looking for a dentist and are anywhere in the northwest metro area I would highly recommend Dr. Gilreath.

Our Office

Gilreath Family Dentistry

200 White St NW
Marietta, GA 30060

Call to Schedule an Appointment:
(770) 796-7081

Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta waiting room Marietta GA.