It’s well-known that smoking and chewing tobacco can cause severe health problems, particularly for the lungs. However, many people are unaware that tobacco can also put your teeth and mouth at significant risk. At Creative Edge Dentistry of Edmond, we want to highlight the dangers tobacco poses to your oral health and encourage you to quit to protect your smile.

1. Chewing Tobacco: A Major Threat to Oral Health

• Chewing tobacco increases the risk of developing gum and cheek cancer by 50 times.
• It causes gums to recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots and making them more vulnerable to decay.
• Bacteria thrive in the exposed areas, further contributing to oral health problems.
• Avoiding chewing tobacco is crucial for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

At Creative Edge Dentistry of Edmond, we offer personalized advice and support to help you quit chewing tobacco and improve your oral hygiene.

2. Smoking and Tooth Loss

• Smoking one pack of cigarettes a day can cause the loss of two teeth per decade of life.
• The risk of tooth loss increases the more you smoke.
• Smoking leads to stained teeth, bad breath, and an unattractive smile.
• Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease and other dental issues.

If you smoke, it’s important to take action now to reduce the harm to your teeth and gums. Our team at Creative Edge Dentistry of Edmond is here to help you quit and protect your oral health.

3. Oral Cancer: A Growing Concern

• Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of oral cancer, which affects areas like the lips, gums, tongue, and mouth.
• Oral cancer is more common in men and those over the age of 50 but is increasingly affecting younger individuals as well.
• Early detection through regular screenings can improve treatment outcomes.
• If you use tobacco, schedule an oral cancer screening to catch any abnormalities early.

Our dental team in Edmond is trained to perform thorough oral cancer screenings during your routine exams, ensuring that potential issues are identified as early as possible.

4. Take Action to Protect Your Oral Health

• The best decision for your oral health is to quit tobacco use entirely.
• Regular dental exams are essential for everyone but especially for tobacco users to catch any issues early.
• Our team at Creative Edge Dentistry of Edmond is here to provide support and guidance throughout the process of quitting.

Ready to take control of your oral health? Contact Creative Edge Dentistry of Edmond today to schedule your next appointment. Let us help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come!

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important habits for maintaining good oral hygiene. It’s widely recommended to brush at least twice a day, and many of us even brush after meals. While brushing is essential for removing plaque and preventing tooth decay, have you ever wondered, “Can you brush too much?” The answer is yes, there is such a thing as overbrushing, and it can lead to serious oral health issues.

Overbrushing refers to both how often and how aggressively you brush your teeth. If you brush too forcefully or more frequently than necessary, you could be putting your teeth and gums at risk for dental abrasion, sensitivity, and gum recession. As your trusted dentist in Edmond, we want to help you understand the dangers of overbrushing and how to maintain healthy brushing habits.

Abrasion: The Risk of Worn Enamel

Dental abrasion occurs when tooth enamel is worn away due to mechanical forces, such as brushing too aggressively. This can lead to shiny, discolored spots on your teeth near the gum line, which can appear yellow or brown. Abrasion can also create wedge-shaped or V-shaped indentations at the gum line, which are clear indicators that the enamel is being worn down.

• Signs of Abrasion:
  • Worn, shiny spots on teeth near the gum line
  • Yellow or brown discoloration
  • Wedge-shaped indentations at the gum line

Tooth Sensitivity: When Enamel is Worn Away

As the enamel wears down due to overbrushing, the softer layer beneath, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This can cause nerve endings in the dentin to become sensitive, leading to discomfort when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks. If you experience increased sensitivity, it may be a sign that you are brushing too aggressively.

• Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity:
  • Discomfort or pain with hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • Sensitivity when brushing or chewing

Gum Recession: Another Consequence of Overbrushing

Overbrushing can also cause your gums to recede, exposing the softer cementum layer of your tooth roots. This makes the roots more vulnerable to wear, sensitivity, and decay. If gum recession is severe, it may require professional treatment to protect the exposed tooth roots.

• Signs of Gum Recession:
  • Visible tooth roots
  • Sensitivity and pain around the gum line

Preventing Overbrushing: Proper Technique Matters

The good news is that preventing overbrushing is simple when you use the right tools and techniques. Here’s how you can protect your teeth:

• Brush with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Hard bristles can increase the risk of abrasion and gum recession.
• Use Gentle Pressure: Avoid pressing too hard on your toothbrush. Gentle, circular motions are the best way to clean your teeth without causing damage.
• Wait to Brush After Eating: If you’ve eaten something acidic, wait at least 60 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging softened enamel.
• Choose the Right Toothpaste: Avoid toothpaste with overly abrasive ingredients that can wear down your enamel.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your brushing routine helps, not harms, your oral health.

If you’re concerned about overbrushing or tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact Creative Edge Dentistry of Edmond. Our team is here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule an appointment today!