Kissing may transmit a small number of disease-causing bacteria and viruses through the oral cavity. Bacteria and viruses in the saliva or blood of one person can be spread to another person by kissing. Some diseases are more easily spread through kissing than others.

Examples of illnesses caused by viruses that can be transmitted during kissing are as follows:

Upper respiratory tract infections like colds can easily spread through a kiss. Several different viruses are responsible for causing common cold. Colds are believed to be spread by direct contact with the virus. You could catch the cold from airborne droplets or from direct contact with secretions (fluids and mucous) from the infected person’s nose and throat.

Glandular fever also known as the kissing disease is the common term for a viral infection called infectious mononucleosis. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus spread through saliva and infection occurs when it comes in contact with saliva.

Herpes infection viruses that are considered part of the herpes family include Epstein-Barr, varicella-zoster (causes chickenpox) and herpes simplex (causes cold sores). Herpes simplex virus can be spread through direct contact with the virus when kissing. Herpes is most easily spread to others when the blisters are forming or have erupted. The virus can be ‘shed’ (spread to others) from the site of blisters even when they have healed. Chickenpox easily spreads from person to person by direct contact, droplets or airborne spread.

Hepatitis B may also transmit virus, although blood has higher levels of this virus than saliva. Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come into direct contact with someone else’s bloodstream or mucous membranes. A person is more likely to be infected when kissing if they have open sores in or around the mouth.

Warts in the mouth can be spread through kissing, especially if there are areas of recent trauma.

Examples of bacteria that can be transmitted during kissing are as follows:

Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening condition which includes meningitis, inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord, and septicemia. These bacteria can be spread either through direct contact or via droplets. Studies show that, with respect to kissing, only deep kissing seems to be a risk factor.

Be aware, though, that periodontal disease can be transmitted through saliva. That’s why the American Academy of Periodontology recommends that if one family member has periodontal disease, all of the family members should be screened as well.

Passionate kisses are good for your oral health!

Don’t let the potential dangers stop you from kissing!! Just be sure to practice good oral hygiene before you begin. Your loved one will thank you for it!

Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits. Healthier mouth, saliva contains substances that fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Deep kissing increases the flow of saliva, which helps to keep the mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

Around 80 per cent of the bacteria in saliva are common to everyone and 20 per cent are unique to you. The exchange of saliva in kissing stimulates your immune system to create antibodies to the ‘foreign’ bacteria, a process called cross-immunotherapy which helps you fight infection.

Kissing stimulates the flow of saliva, which in turn neutralizes acids, re-mineralizes teeth and flushes away food particles. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque on the surface of teeth mix with sugars and starches in food, creating acids which can damage tooth enamel.

Dry mouth is more prone to infections because of reduced saliva production, which becomes more common as we get older and can be caused by prescription drugs for conditions such as high blood pressure.

Kissing for Good Oral Health

When you kiss someone, the salivary glands under your tongue and in your cheeks stimulate your saliva, which Contains water, proteins, electrolytes, and mineral salts. Saliva is important for keeping your mouth healthy. For example, saliva cleanses away the food particles and neutralizes the acids in your mouth that can cause tooth erosion and other problems.

Tooth enamel, which is one of the hardest substances in our bodies, protects the inner layers of the teeth. Because the mineral salts in saliva help to rebuild the minerals in the tooth enamel, this also helps to prevent tooth erosion.

Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, and diuretics, may reduce the flow of saliva. If your loved one is taking any of these medications, give their saliva and health a boost by kissing them often!

Prevention Tips While Kissing

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of passing on, or catching, an infection while kissing. You should try to:

* Avoid kissing when you or the other person is sick.

* Avoid kissing anyone on the lips when you, or they, have an active cold sore, warts or ulcers around the lips or in the mouth.

* Maintain good oral hygiene.

* Cough and sneeze into a hanky if you have a cold.

* See your doctor about immunizations. Vaccines are available to prevent some infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, hepatitis B and group C meningococcal infection.

It is important that you know how to brush your teeth properly to prevent conditions such as gingivitis and tooth decay. Incorrect brushing technique can also lead to tooth abrasion, a condition in which the surface of the tooth is worn away. The number one cause of tooth abrasion is from a toothbrush. The delicate gum tissue is also at risk for damage from the toothbrush bristles, causing tooth sensitivity from exposed root surfaces.

Follow these instructions, and learn how to brush your teeth properly.

1. Apply a thin strip of toothpaste on your premoistened toothbrush.

2. Start with the upper left molars (back teeth) concentrating on the front surface of the tooth; you will be working in a clockwise direction from there. The average toothbrush head will cover 2 to 3 teeth at a time.

3. Hold the toothbrush parallel to your teeth, and point the bristles in the direction of the tissue, so they are resting slightly below the gumline. Apply slight pressure to the bristles, so they are slightly bent.

4. Gently move the brush in a circular motion for approximately 20 brush strokes, or roughly 10 seconds.

5. When brush strokes are complete, roll the bristles away from the gum tissue in a sweeping motion.

6. Continue the above steps until all of the front surfaces of the top and bottom teeth have been cleaned.

7. Moving on to the inside surfaces of the teeth, repeat steps 2 to 5 for the upper and lower premolars and molars.

8. When you are ready to clean the inside surface of the front teeth, known as the lingual surface, take the tip of the toothbrush, and in a flicking motion, direct the toothbrush from the gumline down. Do this 2 to 3 times.

9. Follow step 8 for the inside of the lower front teeth, but this time the flick will be directed up, again, away from the gumline. Do this 2 to 3 times.

10. Brush the biting surface of the upper and lower premolars and molars.

11. Gently brush your tongue and the inside of your cheeks.

12. Finish by rinsing with water or mouthwash.

Tips:

1. Always brush twice a day, preferably first thing in the morning and again right before you go to sleep. Try not to eat or drink anything once you have brushed in the evening.

2. When brushing someone else’s teeth, try to stand behind them so you are looking down on their mouth. This will allow easier access to the mouth and a better view of their teeth. If they are taller than you, have them sit in a chair.

3. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when you notice the bristles starting to bend and look worn out. Always replace your toothbrush after you recover from a cold or the flu.

4. The above steps are suitable for use with an electric toothbrush, although the final roll may be eliminated if using a round oscillating brush head.

5. When brushing the inside surfaces of the upper and lower teeth (steps 8 and 9), try to avoid standing too close to your mirror, as the flick will usually cause some spray.

What You Need:

* An extra soft or soft bristled manual toothbrush.

* Your choice of toothpaste. One that contains fluoride is preferred.

* Water or mouth rinse.

Are you dreaming of a white smile? Thanks to a variety of tooth whitening methods available, whitening your teeth has never been more accessible!
Before considering whitening your teeth, book an appointment for a check-up and cleaning with us, Southland Dental Care. Surface stains will need to be removed before whitening to achieve the best results. We will then determine if you are a candidate for tooth whitening.

Are You a Candidate for Tooth Whitening?

Not everyone can use tooth whitening solution. Here are some circumstances that may prevent the use of tooth whitening products.

• Teeth that have restorations , such as veneers or having been bonded with white fillings, cannot be whitened with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These materials do not whiten past the color they were originally made. The color of these types of restorations were determined by the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth are whitened, the restorations will stand out and look artificial. Replacing old or discolored restorations will allow you to change their appearance.
• Teeth that have internal staining, discoloration from developmental conditions or have been root canalled may not be affected by the typical whitening process. Internal tooth whitening or permanent restorations may be an option to consider.
• Natural tooth colors that are brown or gray in hue may not produce desired results. Typically, teeth with a yellow hue will produce the best results.
• Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid whitening their teeth as there is not enough research to determine the safety of tooth whitening products during pregnancy or lactation.
• People with hypersensitive teeth should avoid tooth whitening, because this process may enhance the level of sensitivity they experience.

How Are Teeth Whitened?

Enamel, the first layer of tooth surface, is actually semi-translucent, or clear. The layer underneath the enamel, known as dentin, is typically yellow, but may be gray, brown or black. This hue is what is seen penetrating through the enamel. In order to whiten the dentin, a peroxide solution is placed on the enamel. This process opens the pores of the enamel, allowing the solution to reach the layer of dentin. The solution will then begin to lighten the dentin, resulting in the appearance of whiter teeth.

Several brands of tooth-whitening products are on the market that all promise one thing — noticeable results. Professional in-office whitening, professional take-home whitening and over-the-counter whitening products remain the most common ways to whiten your teeth.

It is important to have realistic expectations when evaluating your final results; it may take several treatments to achieve a whiter smile. Whitening results may not be permanent, as your teeth will naturally pick up stain from foods or beverages or from tobacco use. Remember to brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations. Tooth whitening results will vary from person to person, so chose an option that will suit your specific need and budget.

At Southland Dental, we are always willing to give advice and tips on how to keep your smile gleaming white.

Specialists warn us that millions of people around the world put their health and well-being to risk by placing their toothbrushes in a close proximity to the lavatory which can be a source of thousands of harmful bacteria. When we flush our toilet, those pathogenic bacteria are sprayed around and land on various surfaces located around, including our toothbrushes. That is why it is dangerous to keep the toothbrushes in an opened container.

The scientists say that after flashing, harmful and lethal bacteria can fly up to six feet away from the lavatory. At that, according to the latest statistics, every second toothbrush is kept in less than 40 inches away from the lavatory. This way, thousands of harmful bacteria is found on such brushes, including Candida, streptococcus, ecoli and staphylococci. This situation requires immediate action for the sake of improving dental health of modern people.

The health complications of being overweight, such as increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, have long been reported. Health care professionals urge patients to manage their weight and strive to get physical exercise each day to achieve and maintain overall health.

Now, researchers have now uncovered another benefit of maintaining a fit lifestyle: healthy teeth and gums.

In a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found that subjects who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis. Using body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat as a measure of weight control, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) as a measure of physical fitness, researchers compared subjects’ weight and fitness variables with the results of a periodontal examination. Those with the lowest BMI and highest levels of fitness had significantly lower rates of severe periodontitis.

Here is an abstract of the study

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, and research has suggested gum disease is associated with other diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Hanookai and Dr. Abaian believe that research connecting overall health and periodontal health should motivate people to maintain a healthy weight and get enough physical fitness.

They as well as the rest of Southland Dental Care encourage comprehensive periodontal care through daily tooth brushing and flossing, and routine visits to a dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease.

Lumineers and porcelain veneers are often confused but are quite different. The difference between porcelain veneers and Lumineers are important to know so you can make the appropriate choice for your needs.

Commitment

Veneers are everlasting- a large amount of tooth enamel is removed, then the veneers are applied and they become your permanent teeth. Lumineers on the other hand do not remove much, if any, tooth enamel and can be removed once applied, if necessary. For permanence, Lumineers are the superior choice, but don’t make your mind up just yet.

For Lumineers, your Dentist will grind down about .2mm of enamel, almost none, and then place them on the surface for a brighter, whiter smile. For Porcelain veneers, your Dentist will shave down about .5mm, most of the tooth enamel, and then place them on the surface as well, butit is done much more invasively. With the Lumineers shaving down so little of the actual tooth, you are still able to have them removed and use your natural teeth if you decide you do not like them. Veneers, however, shave down most of the tooth leaving little of the natural enamel. Knowing this, you must be positive that you want veneers because they cannot be removed- you will not have much of your original teeth left.

What they can do

Lumineers are a  simple and perfect cure for small imperfections such as cracks, chips, and discoloration- they do not fix large problems like gaps and crooked teeth. Unlike Lumineers, Porcelain veneers can cure many different kinds of deformations or imperfection, such as genetic problems and cosmetic problems. Worn down enamel, abnormal spacing, discoloration, uneven teeth, and natural wear and tear from everyday use can all be fixed by Porcelain veneers.

Durability

Lumineers are very thin white pieces that get applied to your natural teeth. About the thickness of a contact lens, Lumineers are less noticeable when on. But due to the extreme thinness of Lumineers, they are much more susceptible to cracking and breaking. Porcelain veneers are a much more durable applicant that will not be damaged by everyday eating and drinking.

Cost

The cost of Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are very competitive. Their prices do not differ much, from about $600 to around $1,200. Lumineers cost about the same or a little bit more than porcelain veneers depending on the extensiveness of the individual’s complication.

Lumineers are for people who want a semi-permanent clean, bright, white smile who don’t want to endure an invasive procedure, who do not have any severe problems with their teeth and are ready for a new, bright, beautiful smile. Veneers are for those who have gaps and broken teeth that need more intense treatment and are ready to live with painless, clean, white teeth.

Choose wisely- both Lumineers and veneers are great methods to leave you with that movie star-like smile, and both will give you the confidence and happiness you are seeking.

Want more information on Lumineers or Porcelain Veneers? We’d be happy to help you. Please call us at: (818) 788-8787.

Here are the final 10 things that can ruin your smile. While reading, you can learn tips and tricks on how to make sure your teeth stay sparkling white!

Hot drinks

Your hot-drink habit may be one reason your teeth look a little dingy. Black tea and coffee contain stain-promoting tannins that lodge into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough, stained surface, which is sticky and can retain decay-producing bacteria.

Consume such beverages in moderation, drink more water every day, and add milk to your coffee or tea to help neutralize the acids.

Aging

As you age, you’re more susceptible to decay near old fillings or root surfaces unprotected by receding gums. But there’s no reason you can’t keep your teeth. Oral disease—not aging per se—is the danger.

Bumping up your fluoride protection is key. And if you have arthritis, there are dental products that can make brushing and flossing less painful.

Seniors who brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use fluoride rinses or gels regularly have fewer cavities.

Birth control pills

Because oral contraceptives mimic pregnancy, they can also lead to gum inflammation and infections, including gingivitis. 

Additionally, some studies have shown that women who use birth control pills may have more trouble healing after tooth extractions and are twice as likely to develop painful dry sockets where the tooth used to be.

If you use birth control pills, it’s not a bad idea to discuss their effect with your dentist before major procedures.

Not flossing

Although many of us are much more diligent about brushing than flossing, they are equally important.

Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do to take care of your teeth. It’s the single most important factor in preventing periodontal disease, which affects more than 50% of adults.

Flossing helps remove plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums, and gives you a brighter smile by polishing the tooth’s surface; it even helps control bad breath.

Brushing at the wrong time

Although we’ve been taught to brush after every meal, depending on what you eat or drink, that’s not always the best advice.
After consuming high-acid food or drinks, like wine, coffee, citrus fruits, and soft drinks, rinse with water to neutralize the acids, but wait an hour before reaching for the toothpaste.

Brushing teeth immediately after drinking carbonated drinks and acidic foods can cause erosion.

Overzealous whitening

It is not clear whether bleaching erodes tooth enamel, but it can increase sensitivity, especially when done too often.

Even at-home whitening treatments should be used with moderation, as some whitening toothpastes and gels contain abrasive ingredients that can increase tooth sensitivity, which can be painful.

Plus, as you get older, whitening products can only do so much, so after a certain point, using more won’t necessarily do anything for your smile.

Soft drinks

Soft drinks are chock-full of sugar, which puts you at a risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum infections, and dark colas can also stain your teeth, leaving you with a lackluster smile. We recommend drinking soda through a straw and rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum after consumption to neutralize the acids.

We also recommend waiting at least an hour before brushing.

Citrus and acidic food

Although lemons, grapefruits, and citrus juices don’

t directly cause cavities, like soft drinks, they contain acids, which cause erosion of the tooth enamel, weakening the tooth and making it prone to decay.

Waiting to brush, rinsing your mouth with water, or chewing sugar-free gum can help. In particular, consider xylitol, a natural sweetener found in plants and fruits that was FDA approved as a food additive in 1986.

Found in sugar-free gum, mints, and toothpastes, xylitol can inhibit the cavity-causing oral bacteria.

Dentists will often recommend patients chew at least two pieces per day if they are at high risk for developing cavities.

Tobacco

Smoking turns your teeth yellow, but it can be much more damaging than that. It can cause throat, lung, and mouth cancer, and even death. Additionally, the tar from tobacco forms a sticky film on teeth, which harbors bacteria that promote acid production and create irritating toxins, both of which cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and loss.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can affect your jaw, cause pain, and even change the appearance of your face.

People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time, they wear away their tooth’s enamel, causing chipping and sensitivity.

Stress and anger can increase nighttime teeth grinding. Finding ways to alleviate these feelings can help, but it’s also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions like a custom night guard.

Your smile is one of your best assets, so, of course, you want to keep it sparkling. But even if you brush, use white strips, and visit your dentist twice a year, it may not be enough. Here are some factors that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, and put a serious damper on your smile.

Sports drinks

In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren’t great for your teeth. Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth’s enamel.

Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as “food” for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.

Bottled water

Tap water often contains fluoride—about 60% of people in the U.S. have fluoride in their water supply. However, most bottled waters contain less fluoride than recommended for good oral health (it will be listed as an ingredient on the label if it is an additive).

Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible. Studies have confirmed that the most effective source of fluoride is water fluoridation.

Diabetes

Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, so you’re at a risk for gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your blood sugar can help. Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease, so seeing the dentist and having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis is also crucial.

Research has shown that diabetics can reduce the amount of insulin they need to take by maintaining good gum health.

Wine

Wine drinkers beware: Regular wine consumption can harm tooth enamel. Wine’s acidity can dissolve the tooth structure, and both red and white wine can increase dental staining. Still, you don’t have to give up your regular glass of vino to save your smile.

Enamel erosion develops when wine drinkers swish the wine, keeping it in constant contact with the enamel, so instead, take small sips and rinse with water when you’re done drinking,

Pregnancy

It’s especially important to take care of your teeth and gums when you’re expecting, since studies show a link between untreated gum disease and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly surges in estrogen and progesterone, can cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gingivitis (red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed) and put you at risk for infection. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or rub your teeth with a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting, since it can lead to tooth decay.

Diet pills

Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort.

Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.

Candy

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won’t directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can.

Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities.

The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime. If you can’t brush after a snack attack, eat cheese or yogurt, or chew sugarless gum to boost saliva flow and neutralize acids.
Puberty

The hormonal surge that occurs during puberty can cause more than acne—it can also result in swollen gums that are more sensitive to plaque. This can lead to gum infections, gingivitis, and mouth sores. But typically the gums only respond in such a manner if hygiene care is poor. Make sure your teen brushes and flosses daily, and sees a dentist regularly.

Dry mouth

A dry mouth isn’t just unpleasant, it’s bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids.Without saliva, you would lose your teeth much faster—it helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum, use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, and consider over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes. See your doctor if it’s a frequent problem.

Dieting

Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile. It’s especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C—all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums.

Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease.

Find out the last 10 things that can ruin your smile…

Understand the Dangers

Many smokers need to be made more aware of the dangers of tobacco. In fact, just 29 percent of smokers say they believe to be at an above-average risk for heart attack compared with their nonsmoking peers (Journal of the American Medical Association).

Though information about the medical problems associated with smoking – such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants – is widely available, many smokers seem to have tuned out.

If you are a smoker who is concerned about the effects smoking can have on your health, congratulations! By accessing information about the negative impacts of tobacco use, you are taking the first step toward quitting.

To increase awareness of the dangers of smoking, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout every year in November. Americans are encouraged to quit smoking for a day or to encourage someone else to quite for a day. The idea is to help someone be smoke-free for a day in hopes of motivating that person to quit forever.

Southland Dental Care wants you to understand another extremely good reason to quit: Tobacco use is harmful to oral health.

Time to Quit

In conjunction with the Great American Smokeout, we at Southland Dental Care hope to help educate the public about one specific threat to smokers – periodontal disease.

Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. In addition, following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can slow down the healing process and make the treatment results less predictable.

How does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:

• Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning
• Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
• Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth

If the calculus is not removed during a professional cleaning, and it remains below your gum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, periodontal pockets form and fill with disease-causing bacteria.

If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress. The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.

Save Your Smile

Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

In addition, research shows that current smokers don’t heal as well after periodontal treatment as former smokers or nonsmokers. But these effects are reversible if the smokers kick the habit before beginning treatment.

Not Just Cigarettes

Other tobacco products are also harmful to your periodontal health. Smokeless tobacco also can cause gums to recede and increase the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place.

And, a study of cigar and pipe smokers revealed that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.

Other Oral Problems

Researches also have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:

• Oral cancer
• Bad breath
• Stained teeth
• Tooth loss
• Bone loss
• Loss of taste
• Less success with periodontal treatment
• Less success with dental implants
• Gum recession
• Mouth sores
• Facial wrinkling

Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know. We dubunked common dental myths and outlines how diet and nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults and elders.

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.

In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables. Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars.

Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.

Myth 3: Losing baby teeth to tooth decay is okay

It is a common myth that losing baby teeth due to tooth decay is insignificant because baby teeth fall out anyway. Note that tooth decay in baby teeth can result in damage to the developing crowns of the permanent teeth developing below them. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, the permanent teeth may erupt malpositioned and require orthodontics later on.

Myth 4: Osteoporosis only affects the spine and hips

Osteoporosis may also lead to tooth loss. Teeth are held in the jaw by the face bone, which can also be affected by osteoporosis. Thus. the jaw can also suffer the consequences of a diet lacking essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and K.

The jawbone, gums, lips, and soft and hard palates are constantly replenishing themselves throughout life. A good diet is required to keep the mouth and supporting structures in optimal shape.

Myth 5: Dentures improve a person’s diet

If dentures don’t fit well, older adults are apt to eat foods that are easy to chew and low in nutritional quality, such as cakes or pastries. First, denture wearers should make sure that dentures are fitted properly. In the meantime, if they are having difficulty chewing or have mouth discomfort, they can still eat nutritious foods by having cooked vegetables instead of raw, canned fruits instead of raw, and ground beef instead of steak. Also, they should drink plenty of fluids or chew sugar-free gum to prevent dry mouth.

Myth 6: Dental decay is only a young person’s problem

In adults and elders, receding gums can result in root decay (decay along the roots of teeth). Commonly used drugs such as antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines and sedatives increase the risk of tooth decay by reducing saliva production. Lack of saliva means that the mouth is cleansed more slowly. This increases the risk of oral problems. In this case, drinking water frequently can help cleanse the mouth.

Adults and elders are more likely to have chronic health conditions, like diabetes, which are risk factors for periodontal disease (which begins with an inflammation of the gums and can lead to tooth loss). Type 2 diabetes patients have twice the risk of developing periodontal disease of people without diabetes. Furthermore, periodontal disease exacerbates diabetes mellitus, so meticulous oral hygiene can help improve diabetes control.