Smoking is a leading cause of both cancer and heart disease, and the more than 36 million Americans who still smoke compromise their oral health, as well. While the potential health impacts on hearts and lungs garner most of the public’s attention with regard to smoking, the potential impact to teeth, gums and the mouth in general are equally significant. When compared to non-smokers, smokers have a four-times greater risk of developing gum disease and are twice as likely to suffer tooth loss. The nicotine in smoke also inhibits the production of saliva, which in turn allows for a greater buildup of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Smokers are at a much greater risk of getting various forms of oral cancer, and are more prone to mouth inflammations and infections. Smokers also have a much harder time recovering from dental procedures, and are more likely to develop dry socket—a painful condition caused by bone and nerve exposure—after tooth extractions.

Everyone knows that regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings are one of the keys to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, along with the bright smile that comes with them. The question, though, is: what constitutes “regularly?”

The Connection Between Diabetes and Dental Health

Everyone knows that brushing, flossing and regularly scheduled dental appointments are key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but did you know that following these standards of good dental care is even more crucial for people living with diabetes? In fact, oral health and diabetes are inexorably linked because diabetes raises the risk of gum disease and other oral health impediments, which in turn serves to make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.