Dental Care: How to Keep Healthy Teeth and Gums

5Do Not Smoke

Smoking can affect the attachment of bone and soft tissues, cause an oxygen shortage in the bloodstream, impair the blood flow to the gums, and interfere with the normal function of gum tissues. Hence, people smoking a lot are more likely to develop many dental problems such as bad breath, stained teeth, tooth discoloration, salivary gland infection, tartar buildup on teeth, leukoplakia, periodontal diseases, alveolar bone loss, mouth sores, etc.

The statistics published by the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) present that more than 40% of smokers aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay, and approximately 43% of people (65+ years old) who smoke cigarettes have lost all of their teeth.

Though it is not easy, kicking tobacco habits is highly recommended to keep healthy teeth and gums. [5]

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