BRANCHES
South Australia
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Smoking | Date Posted: 12/1/2001
| Question
Does smoking always lead to gum disease?
| Answer
No, but it increases your chance of getting it by about six times and increases the severity by the same factor. However, it can hide the signs of periodontal disease which can take years to progress. The condition can be very advanced before a person actually notices the damage. Gum disease is normally coupled with plaque and calculus that collects at the base of the tooth, which leads to bacteria infecting the gums. Smoking reduces the body's ability to combat this condition.
Slight infections around the edges of the gums are common and easily treated, but smoking allows the condition to progress more deeply and seriously. Plaque and tobacco are a dangerous combination. X-rays taken of the teeth of even young smokers usually show that bone support has begun shrinking away from the tooth roots.
Flossing and careful brushing tends to slow down the deterioration, but smokers often have reduced sensation in their mouths and it is difficult to detect and remove all the plaque at the gum margins. (See Gum Disease)
|
More questions in this category:
Can I protect my mouth if I smoke?
Does smoking affect the teeth, gums or mouth?
Does smoking always lead to gum disease?
Does smoking lead to oral cancer?
Does smoking make the teeth loose?
Does smoking stain the teeth?
How will a smoker know if their gums are being damaged?
|
HOTLINKS
Find A Dentist
Frequently Asked Questions
Journal
Fluoride Now
Volunteers
Positions Vacant
The ADA and the Local Organising Committee invite all associated with dentistry to participate in the Australian Dental Congress and Exhibition in Perth.
Mark the dates in your diaries 12-15 March 2009
Dental Health Week is a community awareness program coordinated and funded by the ADA. In 2008 the ADA is leading a campaign to target 30-50 year olds and has developed a range of Fact Sheets on oral health care. August 4 - 10 is Dental Health Week
Click here for previous Dental Health Week material.
|
Mouthguard Awareness |
The ADA is once again conducting a Mouthguard Awareness campaign in 2008.
> Read More
On the 23rd July 2007 the ADA wrote to the major political parties seeking their policies on dental health issues. Click here to review the ADA Inc Report Card on Dental Health Policies Election 07 (PDF 122 KB)
As part of a community campaign to promote good oral health care for babies and toddlers the ADA has developed oral hygiene tips for parents and carers of young children.
> Read More
Click here for information on the ADA Awards for Excellence in Dental Journalism
|