Keeping The Woodlands, Texas Healthy

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.