Smoking is also harmful to your smile and can lead to deeply stained teeth, gum disease, and oral cancer. If you’ve considered quitting tobacco before, there’s never been a better time to do so! How can you get started?

Get Motivated and Prepare

Having motivation to quit is a great way to get started. Do you want to save money, be healthier, look younger, or be around for your family in the future?

Once you have your reasons for quitting (these will help you later when dealing with your cravings!), talk to your doctor. They may recommend nicotine replacement therapy, which can safely double your chances of successfully quitting [2].

Have a support network in place as well. Support could include people who know you’re planning to quit and are ready to be an encouraging support for your during this time, to apps that encourage and remind you about your reasons to quit!

Identify Potential Triggers

Your triggers are things that make you feel like smoking or things that you associate with smoking. Identify your triggers—these could be people you smoke with, certain times throughout the day when you smoke, or feelings that make you want to smoke.

To help name your triggers, keep a log of every time you feel like you want a cigarette, and note the time of day, the activity you’re doing, or the people you’re with, as well as the intensity of the caving.

Noting your triggers will be helpful when it comes time to quit so you can better navigate your cravings and know what situations it will be helpful to avoid in the beginning [3].

Be Ready to Deal With Your Cravings

Cravings will inevitably happen as your body withdrawals from nicotine. Former smokers can have cravings even months after quitting, so it’s smart to be prepared to deal with your cravings before setting your quit date.

What are some ways you can deal with your nicotine cravings?

• Avoid or remove yourself from triggering situations. If you’re in a situation that’s making you really want to smoke, consider leaving or at least taking a short walk to help get your mind off of smoking. If you can, do your best to avoid triggering situations, at least for the first few weeks!
• Find something to put in your mouth. During a bad craving, reach for sugarless gum, mints, or even sunflower seeds to help you get through it. Just be sure that whatever you choose is safe for your smile (for example, chewing on ice or pencils is a no!).
• Drink a glass of water. Water has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine and may even help lessen cravings [4].
• Stay active and busy. Start an exercise regimen, go outside, go somewhere where you can’t smoke, or otherwise distract yourself to help you get through the craving!

Don’t Give Up!

Many people have to try quitting tobacco numerous times to finally quit, but don’t give up—you can do this! Remind yourself why you quit in the first place and, if you have to, begin again and set another quit date. Your family, your body, and your smile will thank you!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_s
2. https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/how-to-quit/using-nicotine-replacement-therapy

3. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/how-to-quit-smoking.htm
4. https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping/vaping-addiction-nicotine-withdrawal

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Here are some common tooth staining causes which your dentist can evaluate when
determining the cause of your discolored teeth.

Intrinsic Discoloration

Intrinsic tooth discoloration happens when the cause of the different color is coming from inside the tooth and is not affected by exterior factors.

When it’s cosmetic: Children whose mothers took the antibiotic tetracycline while they were pregnant or children who were given this antibiotic while their adult teeth were still developing may have darker teeth as a result [1].

There are other medications that can cause teeth to be darker, including antihistamines and blood pressure medications. If you received medications that caused your tooth discoloration, then the discoloration is likely cosmetic and not harming your dental health.

When it’s related to dental health: If you have a single discolored tooth or even several
discolored teeth that have a grayish appearance, this could mean the nerve tissue inside your tooth is dead or infected. This is absolutely related to dental health and will need to be evaluated by your professional dentist.

Extrinsic Staining

Extrinsic tooth staining is related to external factors and is not caused by anything within the body.

When it’s cosmetic: Extrinsic staining is usually cosmetic as it can happen from the foods and drinks we consume, such as wine, coffee, or tea. Staining from foods and drinks typically doesn’t affect the health of your tooth enamel, although it can impact your appearance over time.

When it’s related to dental health: If you have widespread tooth discoloration, this could be a sign of enamel damage. If your teeth have a more yellowish appearance and are sensitive, these could be signs your tooth enamel has worn away and is exposing the softer tissue beneath, called dentin, which has a more yellow color [2].

Missing tooth enamel increases your risk for tooth decay and sensitivity, so be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what can be done for your oral health.

Concerned about Tooth Discoloration?

If one or more of your teeth are discolored, schedule an appointment with your dentist. While professional teeth whitening can help some discoloration, you’ll only know the most effective options for improving your smile by uncovering the cause of the staining.

For instance, if one of your teeth is discolored and your dentist finds the nerve tissue is dead, a professional whitening won’t help restore the color—you’ll need to remove the affected tissue first. If you have enamel damage and have yellowish teeth, a professional whitening could cause even more discomfort, so you’ll need to consider other treatment first.

Regardless of what’s causing your tooth discoloration, your dentist can help you find the cause and choose the right treatment option so you can see your best smile again!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109251/
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10958-tooth-discoloration

The post Is Tooth Discoloration Related to Dental Health or Simply Cosmetic? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What exactly is the impact of marijuana on dental health? Here’s how marijuana could be harming your teeth and gums over time.

Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease

Similar to smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana has been linked to gum disease. Research shows a correlation between regular marijuana use and an increased risk of gum disease.

Higher rates of gum disease have been noted among people who use marijuana frequently, so the more you use marijuana, the more likely you are to have gum disease. In addition, studies have shown that gum disease may manifest earlier in life for marijuana users.

Although a causal link hasn’t been established, experts speculate that marijuana irritates the soft tissues of the mouth and causes damage to the ligaments that help anchor the teeth in place, making gum disease more likely.

Reduced Saliva Contributes to Tooth Decay

Marijuana dries out the oral cavity by reducing production of saliva. This leads to dry mouth, which has been linked to tooth decay and chronic bad breath.

How does this happen? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component in marijuana, inhibits salivary glands in the mouth from producing saliva. When saliva production is blocked, the mouth quickly becomes dry.

A dry mouth typically has a lower pH, leading your oral cavity to be more acidic. Having a lower pH increases the chances that tooth decay will occur, as harmful bacteria attack tooth enamel and can erode it away.

Potentially Higher Risk of Oral Cancers

In some studies, marijuana has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. These cancers include cancers of the mouth and neck. Research has been inconclusive when it comes to marijuana and an increased cancer risk, but here’s what we do know.

Marijuana contains many of the same carcinogens as cigarettes. Marijuana smoke also contains higher concentrations of these toxic chemicals than cigarettes. Ongoing research is needed, but at this time, it’s best to be cautionary when it comes to marijuana and its known toxins.

Yellowing Teeth

Although not exactly a health impact of marijuana, marijuana smokers, just like tobacco smokers, are more likely to have yellow teeth. Their teeth are more at risk to take on a yellow or brown hue due to using this substance. By minimizing smoking or avoiding it altogether, you can help your teeth remain white and free of deep staining.

When it comes to marijuana, we know that it’s been linked to a higher risk of periodontal disease and is known for drying out the oral cavity, which can increase your risk for tooth decay. Although the jury is still out on whether or not marijuana use increases your risk for oral cancer, avoiding smoking or reducing your use can help you better maintain a healthy smile!

The post What Is the Impact of Marijuana on Dental Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in children is pretty common. Children are often exposed to sugary beverages and snacks and lack the ability to properly care for their teeth, so tooth decay sets in. This is why regular visits with your child-savvy dentist are so important! Tooth decay could be causing discoloration of your child’s tooth, so get a check-up to see if your child needs treatment for decay.

Tooth Injury

Toddlers are always exploring and learning about the world they live in—this also means they’re prone to fall! Has your toddler experienced a tooth injury? It could have happened and you may not have noticed any visible effects of the fall or injury, but often teeth cracks or chips can be hard to spot. Your dentist can help identify if any tooth injury has occurred and is causing the discoloration!

Soft Enamel

Tooth enamel can get damaged for several reasons. Your child could have a mineral deficiency, or he or she may have too much plaque or bacteria that’s attacking the enamel and causing it to soften. Acidic and sugary foods can also be responsible for soft enamel. Since enamel is porous, it could be the cause of your toddler’s tooth discoloration. The signs of enamel loss usually aren’t apparent, but your dentist should be able to tell if your child’s enamel is damaged.

Too Much Fluoride

Fluoride can be beneficial for your child’s smile, but too much of it can cause tooth discoloration! Get your drinking water tested to determine how much fluoride your child is consuming. If your child is also using a toothpaste or mouth rinse with fluoride, he or she could be getting too much—talk to your dentist about how much fluoride is too much for your toddler!

Sickness or Medications

Underlying medical conditions or certain supplements or medications could be affecting the color of your child’s teeth. Ensure your child is healthy and take a second look at any supplements or medications your child is on. Antibiotics in particular could cause tooth discoloration. It’s always a good idea to talk with your dentist about what could be affecting your child’s teeth, especially when it comes to their health and medicines.

Tooth discoloration should be a cause for concern, and a simple visit to your dentist can help identify if there’s a problem and if so, what you can do about it. Your child’s primary teeth are important placeholders for their adult teeth and help set up healthy habits for the future. Work with your child to prevent tooth decay and always visit your dentist for checkups!

The post Causes of Tooth Discoloration in Toddlers appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Yellowing Teeth
Over time, the nicotine from the tobacco will cause the teeth to turn yellow, and there will be nothing you can do about it! Brushing will have no effect on your efforts to whiten teeth as the product will stick to your enamel permanently.

Receding Gums
As use of smokeless tobacco increases, gums will begin to recede and the bottom portion of the teeth will start to show, leading to loose teeth or a heavy increase in bacteria. Sweeteners in the tobacco, causing a more palatable flavor for chewers, will also add to further gum recession. As time progresses, the sweeteners will attack teeth, causing tooth abrasion and eventually decay. Receding gums are no longer able to properly support teeth in the mouth and decaying teeth continue to rot.

Cancer And Other Lesions
Undoubtedly, cancer is the worst effect of smokeless tobacco. Not only is cancer devastating to health and overall well-being, but it can be incredibly painful. Teeth can continue to fall out and make it nearly impossible to consume food. Cancer can develop in the mouth, throat and larynx. While surgery is an option to remove the cancer, it often leaves the mouth and face permanently disfigured. Additionally, smokeless tobacco causes what is known as a “Pan Chewer’s Lesion,” which is a dark encrusting on the tongue and sides of the mouth. This can be scraped off, but it an be difficult to completely remove as white patches continue to form on the sides of the mouth. Another pre-cancerous condition is sub mucous fibrosis in which fibrous strands develop in the mouth. These strands often restrict the opening of the mouth, appearing to be long, stringy, unattractive fibers.

Smokeless tobacco is the arch-rival of a healthy, clean mouth. By destroying and attacking from the inside, the mouth becomes a wasteland for bad breath, rotting teeth, and irreversible diseases that severely impact overall oral health. With this information in mind, it is our hope that the next time you pass that corner street vendor, you’ll think before you chew.

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