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.
Dr Madruga has helped scores of patients from Marylebone and beyond who have lost one or more teeth for many reasons. Whatever the reason, replacing missing teeth is vital to not just your dental health, but also your overall wellbeing.
Bone loss is a common side effect of having missing teeth. If you have been wearing dentures for several years, you may have noticed that though they once fitted perfectly, they have become loose over time. You may have had to return to your dentist more than once to have your dentures adjusted, and may be struggling with sloppy pastes to keep them in place.
Smiling greatly improves your mood and is also capable of reducing your stress levels. While few people would argue that too much grinning is bad for you, research shows that flashing your teeth is beneficial to your well-being.
At his implant practice in Marylebone, Dr David Madruga has successfully treated many patients with implants. Whether you have some missing teeth, just one or even all your teeth missing, Dr Madruga has an implant solution for you.
Dental implants are small titanium screws that are placed in the jaw bone with a minor surgical procedure. They are bionic tooth roots that integrate with the bone, preventing the common problem of bone loss and providing a stable base for your replacement teeth – be that crowns, bridges or dentures. They are the only permanent way to replace your missing teeth.
Believe it or not, you probably have a 
Each year, specialists throughout the UK perform about 10,000 implant procedures on the lower gum, particularly in patients over 65.
In the dental parlance, malocclusion is the term for the improper alignment of teeth and jaws. While some people can shrug this off, this dental problem brings with it some serious effects on the body if left untreated.
At our practice we offer two options for initial consultation: you can come here to the clinic, or can start with an e-consultation. Please visit our Your Consultation page for full details.