Gum Disease and Smoking

As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. The chemicals in tobacco also slows down the healing process in the body. Also when calculus builds up in the mouth it makes it harder for you to keep it clean. If not removed by a trained hygienist your mouth builds up with disease and bacteria which destroys gum tissue and causes boneless. It can also cause toothloss, bad breath, loss of taste and mouth sores. For more info on smoking and gum disease go to WWW.Perio.Org.