487. It is true that smoking causes tooth loss?

Yes, smoking can lead to tooth loss. Research worldwide has shown that smoking is directly related to most diseases of the mouth, including the squamous cell carcinoma, which is the main type of oral cancer.

Studies show that smokers are four times more chances of getting periodontitis, a disease that causes destruction of the bone supporting the teeth. This is because smoking increases the peeling of the oral mucosa, gums and causes heating of tissue inflammation, with consequent destruction of bone tissue, which may result in total loss of the tooth.

Depending on the severity of the event (time of smoke, volume and lack of care for oral hygiene) the destruction of bone tissue can reach the point of preventing the placement of the implant. If the smoking persists and the person does not take the necessary precautions to keep your mouth healthy, you can even lose the implant ever.

Tooth loss is a slow process before it becomes evident the smoker suffer other dental problems. A study by Elizabeth Krall Kaye, epidemiologist and professor of health policy and research services in health at Boston University's School of Dental Medicine, found that people who smoke cigarettes have a probability up to 70% more likely to need to do root canal treatment (endodontic ) compared to nonsmokers.

Ideal for good oral health and whole body is to stop smoking. Better still is not starting. But for those who can not quit, the best option is to prevent making frequent and routine visits to the dentist for cleaning and possible interventions to prevent the aggravation of installation and potential problems.

Danielli Spina, specialist in aesthetic dentistry and prosthetics

Bonde