How smoking affects your dental health

Smoking is a bad habit, which in some cases can become an addiction. There are people who smoke occasionally and people who have to smoke on every other occasion. You might be a chain smoker or just happen to enjoy a few cigarettes a day, it doesn’t matter. Be it one or one whole pack; smoking affects your oral health mainly your teeth and gums.

Some of the noticeable dental and gum problems due to smoking include:

  • Bad breath and discoloration of your teeth.
  • Inflammation on the roof of your mouth, where the salivary glands are located.
  • Risks of developing oral cancer due to nicotine in the tobacco.
  • Delays in the healing process after medical procedures. Common surgeries, teeth extraction is all done periodically, and you will experience the effects of smoking.
  • The success rate of dental implant procedures will depend on your oral hygiene, which is hampered and affected badly due to smoking.
  • Smoking can increase the risk of developing leukoplakia, which is a condition that causes white patches to develop inside the mouth.
  • Loss of tooth can be due to gum diseases developing, which causes the roots to weaken and lose grip. Another major side effect of excessive smoking.
  • Plaque and tartar are some of the biggest enemies for perfectly white teeth which can be avoided even if you manage to take good care of your teeth. This condition is however aggravated due to smoking which not only causes discoloration of your molars but also leads to a buildup of unhealthy plaque and tartar.

There are treatments to quit smoking and help gums recover, however, willpower on your part coupled with restraint is the best way to start some of these treatments.

Smoking weakens the body’s immune system which is needed to fight off gum diseases and related oral infections which might be the cause of the same. Kicking the habit is a start, but maintaining proper oral hygiene after that is one of the treatments to quit smoking and help gums recover quickly.

Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease which affects the alveolar bone where the teeth is embedded, the periodontal ligament which supports the root of the teeth and the cementum which is the surface that connects the teeth to your alveolar bone. It might be very difficult at first to kick the habit, but nicotine patches have proved to be quite an effective treatment to quit smoking and help gums recover from months or even years of unhealthy exposure to tobacco.

    RECENT ARTICLE

  • 4 popular lotions that can aid dry skin
  • Popular companies offering IRA plans
  • How to find the best roofing companies
  • 5 simple home ringworm treatments

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Pre-order iPhone 12 Pro variants with amazing accessories

    Apple launched its latest model iPhone 12 Pro 5G, and phone enthusiasts cannot contain their bells and whistles. You can preorder it from October 16, 2020. Apart from a faster processor, better connectivity (hello 5G!), and improved cameras, the latest iPhone 12 Pro 5G returns with MagSafe accessories. Earlier, the company had scrapped the much-delayed technology called AirPower, stating that it did not live up to Apple’s “high standards.”

    MagSafe charger

    MagSafe technology uses a ring of magnets coiled around the wireless charging to make the MagSafe Chargers easy to attach or detach. The chargers power up to 15W, a clear upgrade over the previous 7.5W charging that accommodated Qi-enabled devices. According to its press note, there is also a MagSafe Duo Charger for iPhone and Apple watches but is presently not displayed on its official website. “Customers can also expect innovative MagSafe accessories from third-party manufacturers,” reads the press note as well. Belkin, the renowned electronics manufacturer that is building wireless charging for cars, could be one of the third-parties. It is priced at around $39 and hopefully will be available for preorder from October 16 too.

    No additional headphones

    The latest iPhone 12 Pro 5G and later models will no longer have headphones, jacks, or outlet adapters. Apple said this move was taken to reduce the environmental waste of plastic. The company would also earn more profit if iPhone customers bought products separately.

    MagSafe phone cases

    MagSafe accessories also include iPhone 12 Pro silicone cases, which come in eight gorgeous colors, including cyprus green, plum, deep navy, pink citrus, kumquat, back, red, and white. It has magnets on its rear side so that the MagSafe charger can easily slide into it. It is currently priced at $49 on its website. If you’re a fan of clear cases, there is one available for iPhone 12 Pro. It's made of a combination of clear polycarbonate and flexible materials. It is scratch-resistant and won’t turn yellow over time. It is also priced the same as silicone cases. The iPhone leather wallet can be attached with MagSafe phone cases via magnets. It comes in four colors, including baltic blue, saddle brown, California poppy, and black. It's perfect for storing IDs or credit cards, and it is priced at approximately $59.

  • Top 5 monthly cell phone plans
    You cannot arrive at the best-unlimited cell phone plans unless you are meticulous about your research. Monthly cell phone charges can be pretty high even if you have opted for bundled or family plans. While searching for plans, list wireless carriers in your area, their coverage, speed, discounts, deals, and offers. Choose a plan that saves cost and gives you additional benefits. Here are five unlimited plans from leading carriers that can be helpful to you: Verizon Welcome Unlimited Welcome Unlimited Plan from Verizon is a plan for those who want to switch carriers. It offers $240 for every line you switch. It does not offer a device; you must bring it with you. The plan costs $30 a month per line for four lines. You have to set up Autopay to cover the costs. You get unlimited talk time and text and 4G LTE. This plan is ideal if there are four family members or you want to switch the existing four lines. When you shift the four lines, Verizon gives you an e-gift card worth $240 for every line you switch to Verizon.  Mint Mobile 3-month Unlimited Plan If you are new to Mint, want to save lots of money, and have more than one line, you can opt for this unlimited plan. Check for coverage and speed in your location. This plan gives you unlimited nationwide talking and texting. Though data is unlimited, data speed may reduce after you reach 35 GB. You are also eligible for free international calls to Canada and Mexico. The plan also includes a 5GB mobile hotspot, wifi calling, and texting. The plan costs $30 per month, and you can join the plan by paying $90 for three months. After three months, you can continue to save money by renewing the plan for 3 or 6 months or one year and continue to avail of savings.  AT&T Unlimited Extra The Unlimited Extra plan adds many perks to an unlimited data plan costing $75 per month. It is a no-contract plan. You pay by setting up Autopay and avail of paperless billing. The plan gives you a 15GB mobile hotspot data allowance and a 50GB de-prioritization threshold. You also get to make free international calls to Mexico and Canada.,  Visible Wireless Unlimited Plan The Visible Wireless Unlimited Plan is a cheap, unlimited plan that works with Verizon 4G and 5G networks. There is no data speed cap for LTE, and there are no additional fees. You can buy this plan online only as Visible has no physical stores. The cost of the plan is $40 per month. You can also share the benefits of this unlimited plan with three other people using Visible’s Party Pay feature.  T-Mobile Base Essentials This plan offers 20GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and unlimited hotspot tethering at 3G speeds. It is a postpaid plan costing $45 a month per line. Once you use the 20 GB data, data speeds are reduced to 1.5 Mbps until the next billing cycle. Once you join this plan, you get a year of free access to Paramount +. If you add more lines, it gets cheaper. Tax and fees are additional and not included in the plan amount.  We hope this guide helps you choose a plan best suited for your needs. 
  • The science behind booking the cheapest airline tickets
    Airline tickets form a major chunk of any vacation plan, which would require us to spend less on the actual fun stuff that we plan. But if you manage to book your tickets really cheap, you can have the best vacation ever, all within your budget. All that is required is planning and some patience to dig through the numerous travel websites that offer deals to find the best rates. Planning is key: Start your planning by deciding on your destination. Once this is done, mark your calendar for the tentative period of your trip, but not the exact dates as ticket prices can vary between days. If you stay flexible and mix and match your travel date with a weekday, the prices could be comparatively lesser. In this case, even during the holiday season, with some little effort, you would be able to grab very cheap airline tickets. Check several websites for prices in different airlines using various permutations and combinations of your dates and timings to note the outcomes of the search engines. Search engines such Skyscanner and Trip Advisor are very user-friendly as these sites will also help you with a recommendation on your stay and things to do at your desired vacation spot, which would aid you to plan better. Check closely on the terms of all the available options. Sometimes booking a full-cost carrier might be cheaper when you consider all the extras you will end up paying for the food on board the plane, luggage and so on, which would be covered in the ticket of your full-cost airline by default. When you check for the fares, do not choose only round-trip options. Check one-way tickets as well since sometimes you might end up with a cheap flight ticket by choosing the right one-way tickets for the to and fro journey. Similarly, if you don't mind the stopover, check for options that has a layover at some point, especially on a long-haul flight. This would be a godsend to stretch your legs and relax while awaiting the next flight. Stay on track with the latest updates: Join the mailing list of websites such as Airfarewatchdog, which sends you good travel deals. So, you can even plan a trip on a last minute basis, if you find cheap airline tickets and take an impromptu vacation. If you don't mind visiting your coveted destination during the non-peak seasons, you might most likely get amazing deals on not just your flight, but also on the hotels and you can start ticking off your bucket list. But then again, if you wish to experience the holiday atmosphere of the peak period, with proper planning, by looking out for packages and deals, it is still possible to enjoy your vacation without burning away all your cash. So worry no more about travel expense. Start planning, keep an eye for the cheapest airline tickets and go on a much-awaited vacation!
  • Diarrhea and your diet
    Diarrhea means bowel movements with loose stools several times during a single day. It can last from a few days to a month depending on the cause. Diarrhea can occur due to infections, medication use, other diseases and food allergies and intolerances. In fact, a person’s diet and diarrhea are closely linked together. Correlation between diet and diarrhea A person’s diet can cause diarrhea. The ideal diarrhea diet can provide relief from the symptoms. Unsuitable food for diarrhea can also worsen the condition.
    • Many individuals are intolerant to certain food groups. Consuming those foods can cause loose stools as well other intestinal discomforts. Common triggers include dairy and gluten. Dairy contains lactose, and some people are not able to digest it. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, rye and barley and other food products. If the body can’t tolerate these substances, it can cause problems in the intestines. And diarrhea is a common symptom of most digestive issues.
    • You can eat certain foods to stop diarrhea or find some relief from the symptoms. White rice, bananas, white bread, potatoes, plain yogurt (the only dairy product to eat during diarrhea) and applesauce can help alleviate diarrheal symptoms. You can also include tomato soup, steamed carrots, baked chicken and celery in your diarrhea diet to improve your condition.
    • Certain foods in your diarrhea diet can worsen the condition. These include fatty foods, spicy foods, nuts, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, milk, cheese, sour cream, beans, broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables that can cause bloating.
    • Some people can also develop diarrhea due to high sugar intake. Even artificial sweeteners are not gut-friendly foods and can trigger diarrhea bouts.
    • Some people cannot digest fatty and spicy foods well. These individuals can develop diarrhea every time they eat foods high in fats and spices.
    The solution 
    • For people with food intolerances and allergies, the only way to keep diarrhea away is to avoid the trigger foods.
    • Consult your doctor to find relief from chronic diarrhea.
    A good diarrhea diet can ease the symptoms in a short amount of time.
  • Dental insurance for seniors – Find the right one
    Sink your teeth into finding the right dental insurance policy for you or your loved one now. It is never too late to be prepared for a contingency. The elderly, more than others, certainly need a thorough, all inclusive dental insurance to help take proper care of their oral health. Tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth, root decay, thrush and the need for dentures, apart from regular teeth cleaning and cavity filling are common complaints about the aging population. To take care of these and many other disorders, there are numerous dental insurance plans that you can invest in. If spending as little as $16 US to about $66 US per month enables seniors to attend to their dental issues immediately, without a long waiting period, then that monthly expense is unquestionably worth it. Policies that have no bearing on the age or preexisting conditions of the insured senior person are abundantly available. Here is a small list of highly recommended dental insurance companies that have advantageous and valuable policies for older adults -
    • Metlife
    • 1Dental
    • Cigna
    • Delta Dental
    • Humana
    • eHealth
    • Guardian
    • Careington
    • Ameritas and
    • Aetna
    Orthodontia for cosmetic reasons is usually not part of regular dental insurance policies but if it is advised because of a prevailing medical condition, it will be considered for inclusion under an associated policy. Enquire about the policy’s annual cost, benefits and for which, and how much, services are covered. Explore and make an inquiry about what the waiting period is for major dental procedures or operations. There is not a single plan that will have answer all your needs. While some plans insist that a portion of the bill amount is paid out of your own pocket, some plans may also have copays, or a flat fee paid to your dentist for each visit. Like with any health advice, prevention is better than cure. Having routine dental check ups and cleaning schedules is vital. Susceptible to more frequent damage and decay, the elderly need the protection from dental insurance policies to pay for them. They deserve the peace of mind that comes with it.
  • Target date funds, investing explained
    Target date funds can be a great instrument for financial savings for retirement. It's pretty simple: you pick a fund, start pouring your savings into that fund, and forget about until you retire. Target date funds have a specific date. For instance, you may plan to retire in 2050. Then, the funds keep piling up to a certain designated amount you need for your retirement. You get to maintain your current lifestyle, minus the work, after your retirement. So, who actually benefits from these? Specifically, how exactly do you know whether this will work for you since there are tons of other retirement plans besides target date funds? Here's how target date funds can help you find out whether you're a right fit. You Let A Professional Handle Matters For You Let's say you're the type of person who wants to leave asset allocation to a professional fund manager in order to get peace of mind. If you are, a target date fund is just what you need. Here, you don't have to worry about conducting research, choosing your stocks and bonds, setting up the asset allocation based on their performance, and so on. All of that is left in the capable hands of a finance professional. You Stick To Long-Term Goals If you're a good goal setter—and are good at following through and completing long-term financial goals, such as setting funds aside till retirement—then target date funds suit you. A rash decision to withdraw funds before the target date can undo all your hard work. This is especially beneficial if your life is stable, meaning you don't pay medical bills, and you've got great health and a stable career. Good candidates for target date funds are those already prepared for sudden changes in financial situations due to unforeseeable life events. You Don't Want To Pay Multiple Management Expense Ratios Target date funds usually hold stocks, bonds, ETFs and equities. You'll need to research, monitor and balance your investments in a way that one of them doesn't make you portfolio overweight in that sector of the industry. Only if you can do this are target date funds a good fit. The best part, you avoid paying broker fees, online trading fees and any forms of multiple management expenses. Your assets get allocated accordingly, and your investment portfolio gets balanced by a professional till your retirement date. If you are someone who can meet certain required criteria, don't mind volatility in the stock market, and don't want to actively manage your retirement savings accounts, target date funds may be what you need.