When it comes to smoking, we’ve all been reminded constantly of the effects it can have on our overall health. In most cases, lung cancer is often the disease of choice that is a result of smoking. However, the damaging effects of smoking don’t stop there. Do you know the negative effects smoking can have on your oral health as well? Stained teeth and bad breath are just the beginning. At Oyster Bay Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand the true cost of smoking as it relates to your teeth, gums and oral health.
Gum Disease
It starts with inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation can lead to serious damage of the gum tissue, tooth loss and even bone loss in the jaw. Serious infections can also happen if the bacteria from any of the above mentioned gets into the bloodstream.
It is important to note that gum disease in those who smoke can be harder to treat. Smoking doubles the risk of developing gum disease due to the overwhelming number of toxins it introduces into the mouth.
Have you ever had that awkward experience when you drink a cold beverage and immediately feel a sharp pain in your teeth? You’re not alone. In fact, one in eight people has this same problem with tooth sensitivity. So what’s the cause? Believe it or not, tooth sensitivity such as this doesn’t have anything to do with cavities or even braces, the most common cause is brushing with too much force. 
If you’re a fan of food like we are (and really, who isn’t?), then Thanksgiving just might be one of your favorite holidays. Not only do you get to spend time with the ones you love, but you can also eat all the foods you might not get to eat as often.
Dr. Zohreh Rasouli and the Oyster Bay Orthodontics team want to dispel an urban legend about chewing gum: if you swallow a wad of gum, it does not sit in your stomach for seven years. In most cases, actually, not even seven days. Chewing gum, although not meant to be swallowed, passes harmlessly through the digestive system and is excreted in the same manner as everything else we eat.
