If you are a regular smoker, here is a good reason to kick the butt.
Studies have proved that smoking is one of most significant factors in the development of periodontal disease —- an infection affecting gums and other structures supporting teeth.
Periodontal disease, which affects people in the age group of 30 to 60, go hand-in-hand, say dentists. “For a regular smoker, even good oral hygiene may not be good enough to save his or her gums,” says Dr Arjun Das, root canal specialist, Sagar Apollo Hospital.
“Chances of contracting periodontal disease are high in smokers, and cigarette smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of the body’s ability to fight the infection.It happens because the habit impairs the body from defending itself by weakening its immune system. The habit also facilitates the reduction of vital vitamins and minerals in the body. People usually notice the disease only when their teeth begin to loosen from the gums,” says Dr Das.
The disease targets the tissues within the V-shaped gaps between the teeth and the gums called sulcus. This causes detachment of tooth as the supporting tissues break down due to the onslaught of the disease. “Gums of the affected person start bleeding easily. They will have red, swollen and tender gums. Other symptoms of the disease are persistent bad breath and bad taste, and loose or separating teeth,” he says.
Treatment methods depend on the type of the disease and how far the condition has progressed. “Regular visits to dental clinics and a good oral hygiene is very necessary to help prevent periodontal disease from becoming severe or recurring. One must remove the plaque from the teeth every day. Daily cleaning will help keep formation of calculus — is a form of hardened dental plaque — to a minimum. But these steps won’t completely prevent the disease. A professional cleaning at least once a year is a must,” says Dr Kiran Betadur, dental surgeon, Apollo Dental Clinic.
“Many a time the condition may lead to the extraction of the tooth. So it is very important that one visits dental clinics regularly and treat other related dental problems at an early stage,” says Dr Betadur.
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