Smoking Cigarette and Root Canal Treatment

Dentists are always going to try to inform smokers about the risks of their habit.  Whether it is receding gums or tooth discoloration, good oral hygiene and tobacco use have never gone hand in hand.  As a cosmetic dentist in Torrance that works with smokers on a daily basis, Dr. Robert Mondavi believes that everyone should be made aware of studies that have linked smoking to a slew of serious oral health issues.

With one of the longest running studies in the field of oral health, researchers collected data on men for over 3 decades beginning in 1968.  These studies found that smokers have a dramatically higher chance for needing a root canal than non-smokers.  Another key factor was the length of the habit.  The longer one had smoked, the higher their chances became for needing this procedure.

The oral health issues for smokers do not end there.  Smoking has been linked to a wide array of serious problems including periodontal disease, oral cancer, heart disease, and many other issues within the mouth.  While the study did exclusively focus on men, researchers did claim that similar conclusions could be drawn for female smokers that are at risk for these health issues.

Unfortunately, these cases often come in at very late stages, leaving few choices for patients.  With regular visits to our Torrance dentist, many of these problems can be caught early on.  Regular appointments are also the cornerstone to preventative health and will lead to a much longer and healthier life.


Source: Robert Mondavi DDS, Torrance Cosmetic Dentist

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