Does Smoking Cause Tooth Loss? – Orlando Dentist

Smokers may be interested in several new sources of data that shows a strong association between regular smoking and tooth loss.

The journal of the American Dental Association (ADA) recently published a study linking smoking with tooth loss in women. The study, performed by researchers from the University at Buffalo, examined 1,100 postmenopausal women and found that the more likely a woman is to smoke, the more likely she is to lose teeth as a result of periodontal disease.

The lead researcher, a doctoral student in epidemiology named Xiaodan Mai, pointed out that smoking did not have as much of an effect on tooth loss from dental caries (cavities). Dental caries are areas of structural damage to the teeth, while periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition that destroys the gum and bone around the teeth.

Studies suggest that the smoke from cigarettes speeds up periodontal disease. The chemicals found in cigarette smoke support bacteria that not only forms plaque but negates saliva’s natural antioxidant properties. Nicotine is also detrimental to bone density.

Smokers Twice As Likely To Lose Teeth as Non-Smokers
Based on two separate studies out of Tufts University, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has suggested that smokers are twice as likely to lose teeth as non-smokers.

The first study followed 500 men for over 30 years. The group was separated into three subgroups: men who smoked a pack a day, non-smokers and men who smoked at the beginning of the study but quit at some point during the study. The study found that the smokers lost an average of three teeth every 10 years, the non-smokers lost an average of one tooth every 10 years and those who quit during the study started out losing an average of two teeth every 10 years, but this number declined after the men quit.

The second Tufts study of almost 600 postmenopausal women had similar findings, concluding that smoking leads to periodontal disease, which leads to tooth loss.

To put the AGD’s findings into perspective, if you have smoked a pack a day from the age of 18, there is a good chance that you will have lost between four and five teeth by the age of 35.

Orlando oral and maxillofacial surgeon Ronald Trevisani focuses his dental practice on restoring form and function after tooth loss. He has special expertise in dental implants, one of the most widespread and reliable tooth replacement methods. Dr. Trevisani has the ability to replace up to an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using a dental prosthesis called Hybridge, which relies on dental implant technology.
If you have lost a tooth — due to periodontal disease, an injury or another factor — explore your replacement options with Dr. Trevisani. The solution may be simpler than you think. Contact Dr. Trevisani’s practice today. – See more at: http://drtrevisani.com/blog/does-smoking-cause-tooth-loss-orlando-dentist#sthash.qotyn2Bp.dpuf