Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Smoking and Dental Health

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Smoking and Dental Health

I find it quite amazing that when viewing anti-smoking literature and commercials that there is rarely the mention of the effects of smoking and your dental health. The obvious effects of tobacco use are staining of teeth and the bad breath. Not so apparent is tobaccos effect on decreasing the ability of your gums to heal, increases the severity of periodontal disease and recession of the gums. People who regularly use tobacco have a greater chance of seeing a dental implant fail due to a decreased inability to heal. Cancer is unfortunately associated with any kind of tobacco use and oral cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States today. 90% of the individual's diagnosed with oral cancer are smokers.
In order to increase the likelihood of early diagnosis, we recommend that our patient's have an annual oral cancer screening. This is done visually as well as with the aid of a diagnostic tool called Vizilite.
If it has been a while since you have had a dental examination, please call our office to schedule an appointment at 561-394-9000

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.