How Does Smoking Affect Your Kids Dental Health?

The best pediatric dentist will be honest with you about the effects of smoking on your kids dental health. While most people may think smoking means only cigarettes or cigars, use of any tobacco product can cause damage to your smile. This includes vapors and chewing tobacco.

Those who use tobacco are more likely to experience severe gum disease which often leads to bone loss and even loose teeth. Using tobacco slows down the blood flow to the gums which impedes the body’s natural healing process.  Pediatric dentists will tell you that patients who use tobacco products are less likely to heal after oral procedures or to have a successful dental implant placed. Bridges, crowns, and veneers wear out faster with smokers than with patients who do not smoke.

Smokers have hope when they stop using tobacco. Columbia College of Dental Medicine performed a study that found those who quit smoking 11 years prior to the study were now at the same level of health risks as those who had never smoked. If you or your child uses tobacco products and is trying to stop, your pediatric dentist may be able to help. For more information on how smoking affects your kid’s dental health, visit http://yoursugarlanddentist.com/ today!