But decreasing the amount of added sugar in your diet isn’t easy for many people. Sugar has been shown to be as addictive as drugs such as cocaine [1]. To help you fight those pesky sugar cravings, here are some tricks that can keep you away from sugar and keep your teeth healthy!

Drink Water

The body can misinterpret thirst for hunger, which can lead you to think you’re hungry when really you’re thirsty [2]. When you’re having a craving for sugar, try drinking a glass of water and waiting your craving out for a few minutes. If the craving still doesn’t go away, decide whether it’s time to have a healthy meal or snack in place of a sugary one!

Manage Your Temptations

Managing your temptations can be an instrumental part of fighting your sugar cravings. When grocery shopping, choose healthy foods and snacks, and do your best to keep added sugar out of your cart. Added sugar is present in many foods, from sweetened yogurts to barbeque sauce to salad dressings. But by not keeping sugary snacks or sodas in your home or office, you make it easier to make the right choice when a craving hits.

Eat Enough Fiber

When you feel hungry, it’s easy to want to reach for foods that are immediately rewarding to the brain such as sugar. If you’re reducing your consumption of added sugar, consider adding more fiber to your diet if you need it. Fiber can help you feel full for longer, which may help reduce cravings and help you better manage your hunger [3].

Don’t Avoid Fruit

Fruit is beneficial to your health in ways that sugar isn’t—it provides vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, whereas added sugar is just empty calories [4]. Whole fruit is naturally sweet, although if you’re purchasing dried or canned fruit, be sure to check the label for any sugar added to the product. Fruit can be an excellent addition to your diet to help satisfy your craving for sugar and keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Impress Your Dentist During Your Next Visit!

You can reduce your added sugar consumption and keep your teeth and gums healthy to impress your dentist during your next checkup. If you do choose to indulge in sugar occasionally, be sure to drink water to help reduce sugar’s harsh effect on your teeth, and wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating.

Visiting your dentist can help support a healthy smile and keep your teeth and gums healthy whether you don’t consume added sugar at all, indulge in sugar sometimes, or are still trying to kick a daily sugar habit. Try fighting your sugar cravings with these tips!

Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23719144/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322947#drinking-water
3. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery-
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22797986/

The post Tricks to Fight Sugar Cravings (And Keep Your Teeth Healthy!) appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Salmon and Other Fish

Salmon and other types of fish including tuna and sardines are high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation. Omega-3s have also been shown to help heal gum tissue in patients with periodontal (gum) disease [1].

Vitamin D supports the body with many functions, among them being keeping your teeth and alveolar bone strong, which is the bone in your jaw that supports the teeth [2]. For the highest nutrient content and benefits, choose wild-caught fish!

Spinach

All dark green leafy vegetables are excellent for oral health, and spinach is no exception. Filled with vitamin C, iron, calcium, and potassium, these nutrients are all beneficial for our smiles as well as our bodies [3]. Calcium can help strengthen tooth enamel, and vitamin C is essential for gum health! Iron helps support your body’s natural response to infections, and potassium, as we’ll soon see, is another key player in bone health!

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices that we add to our foods such as garlic, clove, turmeric, and ginger are anti inflammatory. For example, the active component in turmeric, called curcumin, has the potential to treat oral diseases such as gum disease and even oral cancer [4].

However, while they do have their benefits, keep in mind that these spices are pungent and some, such as turmeric, can stain teeth. Water is a great buffer when consuming foods with these healthy spices, and of course, getting regular dental cleanings can keep your teeth white!

Sweet Potatoes

The perfect fall food, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which supports a healthy saliva production. Saliva plays an essential role in the oral cavity, and helps to balance not only oral bacteria, but the pH of the mouth as well, therefore preventing tooth decay and supporting gum health [5].

Avocados

Did you know that avocadoes have more potassium than a banana? In fact, eating a whole avocado gives you more than 20 percent of your daily potassium requirements [6].

The high potassium content of avocados makes them beneficial for oral health, as potassium works with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to keep your bones and teeth strong.

Avocados may even play a potential role in preventing oral cancer—plus they’re loaded with healthy fats, which can help fight the inflammation present in most diseases [7].

Do you enjoy any of these healthy foods? Adding these foods to your diet might just support systemic as well as oral health, which are, of course, connected! Next time you’re at the store, consider adding these fresh foods and helpful spices to your cart for healthy teeth and gums!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3320731/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748977
3. https://medlineplus.gov/definitions/mineralsdefinitions.html
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6099579/
6. https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2
7. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070904114442.htm

The post You Had No Idea These Foods Were So Good for Your Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Too much or too little gum tissue can cause the gums to appear uneven. Some people will have this issue present their whole lives, while others may have it develop later in life. A crooked gumline has many causes from genetics to gum disease to hormone changes during pregnancy.

But what can be done about an uneven gumline? Here are your treatment options based on what could be causing this issue!

If Your Gums Are Receding

If your gumline is uneven due to receding gum tissue, you may see areas where the gums appear to pull back from the teeth, giving some teeth a longer appearance and exposing tooth roots. A receding gumline can also be caused by:

• Brushing your teeth too aggressively
• Gum disease
• Smoking and tobacco use

You’ll need to visit your dentist to know for certain what the cause is. If your gum recession is the result of advanced gum disease, you may need a gum graft to repair missing gum tissue [1].

However, if the appearance of your gums is caused by aggressive brushing, switching to a softer toothbrush may be able to help.

If You Have Gummy Smile

Your uneven gums could be caused by gummy smile, a condition in which gum tissue covers too much of the teeth. Gummy smile could also be caused by the muscles in the upper lip exposing too much gum tissue when smiling, in which case, dental treatment may not be appropriate.

While gummy smile typically doesn’t affect oral health, it can be treated in a cosmetic procedure called gingival contouring, or gum contouring, which can be done with a laser to essentially reshape the gum tissue to permanently improve appearance [2].

If the Cause is Genetic

When uneven gums are caused by genetics, gum reshaping is usually the best treatment option to give you a smile that looks natural and healthy.

This form of cosmetic gum surgery will require that you treat any underlying issues beforehand—for instance, if you have a mild form of gum disease, it’ll need to be addressed before the procedure.

A gum contouring procedure can be done at your dentist’s office with local anesthesia and requires minimal recovery time, for some patients a few days and up to two weeks depending on your unique smile [3]. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect during your consultation.

Are You Experiencing Uneven Gum Tissue?

If you have uneven gums, there is treatment available to help restore your appearance based on what’s causing the issue. Your dentist can further evaluate your gums to determine how best to treat your irregular gumline and give you a beautiful smile.

Schedule an appointment with your oral healthcare professional today to learn about your options!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-graft-surgery
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4672859/
3. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-contouring-procedure#2-6

The post What Can Be Done to Treat an Uneven Gumline? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are many causes of gummy smile, including teeth that didn’t erupt correctly, hyperactive upper lip muscles, and improper jaw development [1]. The lips, facial muscles, teeth, and gum tissue all play a role in gummy smile, although the underlying cause of all these factors is typically genetic.

The treatment for gummy smile will depend on what’s causing it as determined by your dentist. What are some of the treatment options for this condition?

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment can help remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gumline to improve the appearance of your smile. Laster treatment is comfortable and ideal for patients who may have anxiety about visiting the dentist.

Using laser therapy for gummy smile is a great option for patients who don’t want to undergo traditional surgery to fix their smile [2]. By using a laser, recovery time tends to be much faster and the patient experiences less swelling, bleeding, and discomfort.

Your dentist may suggest laser therapy for your gummy smile if the cause is attributed to too much gum tissue covering the teeth as opposed to an additional cause such as jaw or upper lip positioning.

Surgical Options

For many patients with gummy smile, surgical options can help correct the condition as effectively as possible.

Periodontal surgery for gummy smile—also called a gingivectomy—involves removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gumline. Your dentist may suggest a crown lengthening procedure which will expose more healthy tooth below the gumline, if this is possible.

If your gummy smile is found to be caused by hyperactive upper lip muscles, reconstructive surgery can help. During this procedure, your dentist will correct the upper lip’s position so that it doesn’t expose as much gum tissue when smiling [3].

If your jaw is found to be the cause of your gummy smile, you’ll likely need an oral surgeon to correct the position of your jaw. While this form of treatment will be the most intensive, it can result in significant improvement and will permanently correct your gummy smile.

Additional Treatments to Consider

Your dentist may suggest other forms of treatment for your gummy smile, including:

• Orthodontics.Braces or Invisalign can correct your bite to make gum tissue less visible.
  Orthodontics provide a simple, temporary, and painless treatment option for gummy
  smile if your bite is found to be the issue.
• Veneers.For people who have naturally short teeth or teeth that are worn down from
  bruxism (teeth grinding), dental veneers can make the teeth appear longer and function
  as a permanent form of treatment for gummy smile.
• Botox.Botox injections can help improve the movement of the upper lip without
  surgery; however, this is a temporary treatment that will need to be repeated every few
  months.

Regardless of what the cause of your gummy smile is, there is treatment. By visiting your dentist, you can get a comprehensive exam to determine what’s causing your gummy smile and what treatments are available to you to permanently transform your teeth and gums!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4239760/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4672859/
3. https://www.jdao-journal.org/articles/odfen/pdf/2015/01/odfen2015181p102.pdf

The post How Can Dentists Treat a “Gummy” Smile? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

For others, bruxism happens during times of stress while awake, and for others still, they may
grind their teeth while both awake and asleep.

Bruxism is hugely damaging to both your teeth and your gums, especially over a long period of
time. These are the potential long term impacts of bruxism.

Damaged Teeth

Dentists can tell whether or not you grind your teeth during your checkup. For patients who
have suffered from bruxism for years, the teeth will actually flatten and have an even, square
appearance. The teeth actually wear themselves down and so all the teeth become shorter. The
effect will become increasingly noticeable if bruxism goes treated.

Grinding your teeth can also damage dental restorations such as crowns or fillings, causing
them to prematurely fail and require replacement [1].

Bruxism can also cause chips and fractures due to the immense pressure placed on teeth. You
may notice your teeth have visible cracks in them or even that they’ve sustained chips that you
don’t remember happening.

TMJ Pain

The jaw is able to move thanks to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which attaches your
lower jaw to your skull.

Bruxism can place stress on the TMJ, leading to jaw dysfunction that can cause chronic pain.
Symptoms of a problem with your TMJ include unexplained headaches, muscle tension in your
face or neck, pain when chewing or speaking, or an inability to open your mouth all the way.

Since TMJ dysfunction can be caused by bruxism and also make bruxism more likely, working
with your professional dentist can help you understand the root cause of your TMJ pain.

Tooth Sensitivity

Bruxism wears down teeth prematurely, which means the shiny protective layer over your
teeth—we know it as tooth enamel—can get worn away over time.

Once your tooth enamel is gone, there’s no way to replace it. Instead, the softer tissue
underneath your enamel—called dentin—is exposed. Dentin is not only more yellow in color,
but it also allows harmful bacteria into your tooth to cause cavities.

When enamel is no longer there to protect your teeth, hot and cold temperatures can travel to
the root of your tooth, making eating ice cream or drinking hot tea uncomfortable at best and
painful at worst.

Gum Damage

Grinding your teeth also places stress on your gums and the connective tissue which help to
hold your teeth in place, therefore leading to periodontal damage [2].

When connective tissue that helps anchor teeth is damaged, it can lead to loose teeth. If you
grind your teeth, your gum tissue may become inflamed and look red or irritated, especially
over a long period of time.

If you wake up with headaches and an aching jaw, you could be grinding your teeth while
asleep and not realize it. A simple dental exam can reveal whether or not you’re prematurely
aging your teeth through bruxism. There is treatment for this damaging dental condition, so
don’t wait to seek help—your teeth could be at stake!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026093/

The post What Is The Potential Long Term Impact of Bruxism? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The actual implant consists of a small screw that’s inserted into the jaw onto which a dental
crown will be placed. These sturdy restorations are designed to last a lifetime.

But can dental implants actually help prevent gum disease? Here’s what you need to know
about gum health after getting dental implants.

Implants Support Alveolar Bone

Dental implants help support the bone that supports teeth, which is called alveolar bone. This
bone—located in your jaw—helps keep your teeth healthy along with your gums and other
connective tissue.

When your alveolar bone is strong, you’re less likely to lose teeth. Jawbone naturally recedes
when a tooth is lost, as the bone is no longer being stimulated by that particular tooth and so
the body doesn’t see a need for it.

Lost jawbone can make your face appear less full and more sunken, leading to an older
appearance. Dental implants can essentially halt the bone loss process and generate better
jawbone density even if you’ve been missing teeth for years.

Dental Implants Can Still Be Affected by Gum Disease

Just because dental implants can support healthy alveolar bone doesn’t mean that your teeth
will now be immune to gum disease.

Dental implants aren’t able to get cavities, but gum disease can still affect the gum tissue
surrounding your new dental implant. This means that your dental implant is still susceptible to
the effects of gum disease.

For this reason, your dentist will want to ensure your gums are healthy before considering
dental implants for your smile. You cannot have existing gum disease and get dental implants,
but you can have dental implants and get gum disease.

How to Know if You Qualify for Dental Implants

Fortunately, even if you’ve had gum disease in the past, you can still qualify for dental implants
as long as your gum disease has been resolved by your dentist.

If you have an existing gum infection, your dentist will need to cure the problem before
considering your candidacy for dental implants.

You’ll also need to have enough alveolar bone to support dental implants. However, even if
you’ve sustained jawbone loss over the years, you may be able to get a bone graft in order to
receive dental implants.

Patients who may not qualify for dental implants include those who currently have gum
disease, those who smoke, or those who don’t have enough jawbone and are not able to
receive a bone graft.

Considering Dental Implants?

You don’t have to live with missing teeth. Dental implants have a 98% success rate and the
majority of patients are very satisfied with their restorations [1].

Dental implants may help prevent bone and tooth loss, but remember that keeping your smile
healthy is going to be key to preventing gum disease with your dental implants. Talk to your
dentist today to see if you qualify for these quality tooth replacements!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-myths

The post Can Dental Implants Help Prevent Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, there are other prescription and over-the-counter medicines that cause more than
just dry mouth. The following medications have the potential to hurt your smile, so be informed
about the risks before using!

Antihistamines

Taking antihistamines such as allergy medications can inhibit salivary glands from working
properly, which means you have less saliva in your mouth. Since saliva helps to protect teeth
from acids that can cause tooth decay, having dry mouth makes it more likely that you’ll have a
cavity during your next checkup!

Decongestants

Used to help relieve congestion during illnesses, decongestants are also known to cause dry
mouth. In addition, mouth breathing during this time of nasal congestion can dry out the oral
cavity even more.

If the decongestant you take is in a liquid form, chances are this syrup contains a type of
sweetener that can further contribute to tooth decay.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers are used to treat heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms as
well as high blood pressure.

These prescription medications can reduce saliva and cause dry mouth, but they can also cause
an overgrowth of gum tissue. Your gums may appear to be thicker or actually begin to grow
over your teeth. Gum overgrowth can interfere with oral hygiene and should always be
addressed by your dentist!

Antidepressants

While antidepressant medications have been known to cause dry mouth, these medications are
also associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis.

People who have osteoporosis may lose alveolar bone in their jaw which helps to support
teeth. Osteoporosis may also affect the healing of future restorative work such as dental
implants.

Some antidepressants have also been linked to an increased risk for teeth grinding, making it
important to get regular checkups with your dentist.

Pain Medications

Pain medications have long been known to cause dry mouth, which can lead to enamel erosion
and tooth decay. People who are taking these medications temporarily might not have cause
for concern, but patients taking these medications long-term need to be aware of this risk and
follow up with their dentist as needed.

Aspirin

Taking aspirin regularly can make it more likely for your gum tissue to bleed, as aspirin is a
blood thinner. Evidence is mixed on how exactly aspirin affects your teeth, however.

If you take aspirin and are seeing bleeding gums, don’t stop taking aspirin unless directed by
your doctor. However, you should follow up with your dentist to ensure the bleeding isn’t being
caused by an underlying issue such as gum disease.

Oral Contraceptives

Since gum tissue is sensitive to hormones, oral contraceptives can cause changes in your gums
that are similar to women who are pregnant. You may have symptoms that mimic gum disease,
such as swollen or bleeding gum tissue that’s sore to the touch.

Getting your symptoms evaluated by a dentist can determine if gum disease is present and if
you need treatment to get your gums back to normal!

While medications are certainly necessary at times, it’s important to be informed of the risks so
that you can take the best care of your body and your smile. When it comes to these very
common medications, be aware of how they can affect your oral cavity, and always follow up
with your dentist to protect your smile!

The post Medications That Could Be Affecting Your Dental Health appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Hormone changes—namely decreasing estrogen—in the body can impact a woman’s entire
body, including the oral cavity. Can menopause impact dental health? You might be surprised
to know that your teeth and gums may experience some changes with the onset of menopause.

Menopause May Cause Dry Mouth

Low levels of estrogen in the body can dry out mucous membranes, including the mouth.
Although not every woman will have dry mouth after menopause, some will experience
noticeable dryness that can impact chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

Dry mouth also affects tooth enamel. Saliva helps to protect our teeth from harmful acids and
bacteria. When the mouth is dry, bacteria are more likely to attack and damage tooth enamel,
which can lead to sensitive teeth and tooth decay.

Fortunately, staying hydrated can help, but visit your dentist if you’re worried that dry mouth is
impacting your smile!

Osteoporosis Can Affect Alveolar Bone

Estrogen doesn’t just help to keep the mucous membranes of the body moist—it also helps to
protect bone density. With a lack of estrogen in the body, menopause can often put women at
risk to experience osteoporosis, a condition in which bones can become thinner and more likely
to break.

However, osteoporosis can affect alveolar bone as well, which is the bone that helps support
teeth in the jaw. If alveolar bone becomes less dense, it can lead to loose teeth and even tooth
loss.

Getting regular checkups with your dentist can help detect any changes such as loose teeth to
help stop loss of bone density and protect your smile (and your body)!

Women May Experience an Increased Risk of Gum Disease After Menopause

Although menopause isn’t likely to cause gum disease, it can worsen existing gum disease. With
nearly half of all American adults having some form of gum disease, many people are living with
gum disease and don’t realize it.

Since menopause can lead to other oral cavity changes such as dry mouth, gum disease may get
worse with menopause. The gums may become more red and begin to pull back from the teeth,
causing tooth sensitivity and gum infections.

Gum disease can also contribute to loose teeth, so if you’re experiencing osteoporosis along
with gum disease after menopause, you may be at a higher risk for tooth loss. Gum disease can
be treated and even reversed, so talk with your dentist about your risk for this condition at your
next appointment.

Menopause brings many changes due to hormonal shifts in the body that end menstruation,
some of which may affect the oral cavity. However, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy
as you transition into menopause by visiting your dentist to take the best possible care of your
smile!

The post Can Menopause Impact Dental Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While most people keep an eye out for typical pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or a missed period, your teeth and gums might be more telling than you think. Is teeth and gum sensitivity a symptom of pregnancy? The answer might surprise you!

Hormones Can Alter Your Level of Teeth and Gum Sensitivity

Hormones are powerful messengers in the body, and yes, they can make your teeth and gums more sensitive! Some mothers-to-be go through periods of teeth and gum sensitivity, while others may have it consistently throughout their pregnancy.

In fact, hormones can even alter the way your body responds to a potential infection, such as the infection that can come with gum disease. These changes can cause sensitive teeth and gums, which should always be checked out by a dentist to protect you and your little one!

Increased Circulation Can Cause Swollen Gums

Most women will experience an increase in blood circulation during pregnancy in order to provide the developing fetus with nutrients during this essential time. However, this increased blood flow can cause your gum tissue to swell and become sensitive as well.

You may find that brushing your teeth is painful, or, you may have sensitivity to hot and cold foods where you didn’t have sensitivity before. However, swollen gums can also be a symptom of gum disease, so if this symptom persists, don’t hesitate to follow up with your dentist.

Many Expecting Mothers Are Prone to Gum Disease

Pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease due to their fluctuating hormones. If you’re vomiting as a result of the morning sickness that the majority of new mothers experience, your teeth can be negatively impacted by your pregnancy.

If you’re seeing symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen, red gums, bad breath, or increased tooth sensitivity, don’t just blame it on your pregnancy. Gum disease in women has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight, so getting this infection treated is not only important to your health, but to your baby’s health as well.

Getting treatment for gum disease during pregnancy is safe, so schedule an appointment with your dentist if you’re having symptoms to ensure you have a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Are you concerned you might be pregnant? It’s true that changes in your oral cavity—including increased teeth and gum sensitivity—can be a symptom of pregnancy. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist during your pregnancy to get your smile checked out. You’ll enjoy your pregnancy even more with a healthy smile!

The post Is Teeth and Gum Sensitivity a Symptom of Pregnancy? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Since e-cigarettes and vaping are relatively new, long-term research isn’t available, but what we
do know about these devices gives us pause when it comes to your oral health as well as the
health of your entire body. Here’s how vaping impacts your oral health.

Vaping Causes Inflammation of Gum Tissue

Contrary to the belief of some people, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine. When used, they burn
nicotine and other chemicals for you to inhale.

Although extensive data regarding e-cigarettes is lacking, the same is not true for nicotine. We
know that nicotine inhibits blood flow to the soft tissues in the oral cavity, which can not only
mask symptoms of disease, but create a poor immune response to infection.

What this means for you is that you may have severe gum disease and not show many
symptoms. Nicotine can cause your gum tissue to recede and often by the time the user
realizes there’s a problem, periodontal disease is widespread.

Nicotine in E-Cigarettes Leads to Dry Mouth

The nicotine in e-cigarettes can also cause dry mouth. By drying out the mouth, these devices
can increase your risk for both tooth decay and gum disease.

Our saliva is meant to protect our teeth and help balance our oral bacteria. When saliva
production is inhibited by nicotine, the tissues of your mouth aren’t getting the necessary
nutrients to remain healthy. The lack of saliva can cause bacteria to attack your tooth enamel
and cause tooth decay.

If you choose to use e-cigarettes, staying hydrated by sipping water throughout the day is
important to help your smile stay healthy!

You Increase Your Risk of Oral Cancer with Vaping

Published research about e-cigarettes is finding more and more dangerous chemicals in these
products. Toxic chemicals and heavy metals present in e-cigarettes are damaging to the lungs
when inhaled. These chemicals have the potential to be carcinogenic, and since the vapor is
coming into direct contact with the mouth, your risk for oral cancer is increased.

Inhaling these heavy metals and chemicals in the form of vapor can aggravate the lungs and
worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Other e-cigarette users can develop
severe, life-threatening reactions such as wet lung, where the lungs are in distress and are
unable to get oxygen into the blood due to the presence of chemicals, an injury, or an infection.

Although vaping has been marketed as being “safer” than cigarettes, the jury is still out on this
one. The presence of nicotine and other chemicals make these smoking devices a threat to your
oral health, increasing your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. If you choose to
use these products, visiting your dentist can help you maintain the health of your teeth and
gums!

The post Can Vaping Impact Your Oral Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.