With all the countless anti-smoking ads, signs and pamphlets—even those graphic warnings printed right on the package of cigarettes—virtually everyone knows that smoking is bad for the body. Smoking can lead to severe health problems, including lung disease, heart disease and the dreaded cancer.

Not everyone knows, however, that smoking also has significant effects on oral health. Recently, a new study, published September this year in the Journal of Dental Research, has in fact proved that regular smokers have a significantly increased risk of tooth loss.

What the New Study Says

This is the result of a long-term longitudinal study conducted by researchers at the German Institute of Human Nutrition and the University of Birmingham. The researchers examined a group of more than 23,000 subjects to understand the relationship between cigarette smoking and the rates of tooth loss.

According to the researchers’ observation, male smokers were 3.6 times more likely to lose their teeth compared to non-smokers. Women smokers, on the other hand, were 2.6 times more likely.

How Smoking Leads to Tooth Loss

People lose their teeth mostly due to periodontitis and tooth decay. Smoking is a known contributor for periodontitis, which goes a long way in understanding the higher risk of tooth loss in smokers compared to non-smokers.

Smoking also masks bleeding gums, which is a key symptom of periodontitis. Because of this, people do not see the problem until it is already too late.

Fortunately, quitting smoking can reduce the risk. A person who quits smoking would have the same risk of tooth loss as a non-smoker eventually, although this can take more than a decade.

Tooth Loss: Still a Major Health Concern

Tooth loss remains a huge health problem across the globe. In the United Kingdom alone, about 15 percent of seniors between the ages of 65 and 74, as well as 30 percent of seniors aged 75 and above are have lost all of their natural teeth. The global figure, on the other hand, is 30 percent for 65 to 74 year olds.

Missing teeth, overall, do not allow too many people to fully enjoy what life has to offer. Fortunately, today’s modern cosmetic dentistry in Marylebone, such as dental implants can help replace everything from a single missing tooth to a missing arch.

Dr David Madruga, an implant surgeon in London, offers the treatment. He carries out all forms of implant dentistry, from basic dental Implantology to more complex cases.

Schedule a consultation with Dr David Madruga today.

Many dentists advise their patients right after tooth extraction to have something to fill the gap, and for good reason. Gaps in the teeth may cause serious consequences to overall wellbeing in the long run. If left untreated, it may affect a person’s health and appearance.

Long-term impacts of Teeth Gaps

When people have an incomplete set of teeth, they will have a hard time brushing or flossing between the gaps. This increases the likelihood of bacterial growth and infection among the remaining teeth. Poor oral health maintenance due to the gaps may cause dental caries, gum disease and other oral problems as a result.

By getting oral diseases again, patients put themselves at risk of experiencing sensitive, loose teeth, which will eventually lead to tooth loss. The cycle continues if patients cannot conduct proper oral hygiene due to the gaps.

The more teeth patients lose, the more likely they will develop premature aging as well. Facial bones and muscles need stimulation from the teeth to stay in shape. When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone deteriorates along with the external width, height, and volume of the bone. This causes the gum tissues as well as the surrounding bones and muscles to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse.

Prevention and Treatment

Teeth gaps may cause dire consequences if left untreated, which is why dentists highlight the importance of filling them as soon as possible. They highly recommend that patients undergo dental treatments quickly to avoid oral problems and other effects of teeth gaps.

Veneers and bonding help close small gaps and improve the teeth’s overall appearance at the same time. Dental implants, crowns and bridges replace missing teeth, which will help delay bone loss and premature aging.

Filling the Gaps Through Cosmetic Dentistry

Gap-toothed grins are not something people can ignore, not when it means a permanent blight on their appearance, confidence, lifestyle and opportunities in life. It is important for patients to fill the gaps right before these become a real problem.

David Madruga is the person to call when it comes to teeth gaps. He offers a range of dental treatments that will help improve the teeth’s health, appearance and function. He is committed to changing lives by transforming smiles.

Click here for more information on David Madruga.