November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and everyone here at Shirley
Cagle, DDS wants to remind you of not only the health consequences of smoking,
but also the dental complications that smoking can contribute to. While it’s important to recognize that
not all lung cancer patients are tobacco users, it is equally important to know
that smoking is the top risk factor to developing this life-threatening
disease.
Smoking not only increases the risk of lung cancer, it can also
contribute and lead to other unwanted health and dental issues. For example, smoking increases the
chance for developing periodontal (gum) disease, discoloration of the teeth and
oral cancer – and these problems can lead to even more health problems. Knowing these risk factors, it makes
scheduling and keeping regular dental
appointments at my Woodlands, Texas dental office even more important. However,
not only smokers should take their oral health seriously. Like lung cancer, periodontal disease,
oral cancer and yellowing of the teeth are also found in those who don’t smoke.
At my practice, my team and I focus on treating every individual with care
and compassion while also providing thorough and complete dental care. Our mission is to deliver quality
comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry to each and every patient that walks
through our door. We are extremely
thorough in all of our treatments including teeth whitening and periodontal
(gum) disease screenings.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in
the United States and can even lead to more serious health issue such as heart
disease, strokes and osteoporosis.
In addition to encouraging every patient to perform good daily tooth brushing
and flossing habits, we also screen for periodontal disease at every cleaning
and exam. At-home care in addition
to regular professional exams and cleanings is the best way to prevent this
disease from occurring. Also, it’s
important to know the main factors that affect the health of your gums. Smoking, diabetes, stress, clenching
and grinding teeth, medications and poor nutrition can all negatively affect
your gum health.
Other lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking wine or coffee and
eating certain foods can also lead to unwanted discoloration of teeth. We can help. We can create custom bleaching trays and provide you with a
special bleaching solution that with only a few hours of wear for a few days
will help eliminate tooth stains and discolorations. We also offer an in-office whitening solution with Zoom!
In-Office Whitening. This
technology can whiten your teeth an average of eight shades in a little over an
hour for immediate results.
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and every month, it’s important to
become educated on the dangers of tobacco use. Whether you’re a smoker or not, we’d like to take care of
you and your smile at my Woodlands,
Texas dental office. Call us
today at 281-681-9442 and let us treat you and your mouth to health.
