Smoking + Your Mouth = Disease

The stop smoking campaigns are ubiquitous, but these campaigns advertise primarily the risk of lung cancer and heart disease. What is not often talked about, but should be are the effects smoking has to your oral health. A few of the risks include oral cancer, diminished ability to taste and smell, gum disease and complicated recovery from oral health issues. 

Dealing with Disease

Aside from cancer, gum (periodontal) disease is one of the top concerns of smoking. Tobacco interferes with cell function and nicotine restricts blood vessels, interfering with the body’s ability to heal. It can leave you more susceptible to contracting gum disease, or could make it more difficult to overcome a bacterial infection in your mouth, causing you to experience unnecessary complications.

Recovering from Dental Procedures

Many people have difficulty recovering from dental procedures, especially if their immune system is compromised. This is exactly what occurs when a person smokes. The body becomes less able to repair itself after trauma, including surgery on the mouth. This leaves your gums at risk for infection or at the very least, leaves you unable to eat, talk or smile normally for an extended period of time.

The best way to save yourself from the risk of serious illness or complications is to quit smoking. Before you start a smoking cessation program, you should have proper support in place to help you through the difficult time. Your dental professional Dr. Giri Palani can counsel you and/or prescribe medication to help with smoking cessation. As you begin to eliminate tobacco from your life, remind yourself of the positive impact you will be making on your physical and oral health as a result. 

Contact Us Today

If you are ready to make a positive change and need to consult with your Beverly Hills dentist about dental treatments to consider as you eliminate tobacco (such as veneers or tooth whitening), contact us today for your free consultation.

Staying Mouth Healthy During Pregnancy, Part II

Waiting for your new arrival should be a time of preparation,
excitement, and joy! Staying mouth healthy is an important
 part of being ready for baby.

During our last post, we wrote about awaiting the arrival of your new baby, and some of the risks of your oral health. Today we talk about puffy gums and what they can signal.

Tumors

Some women experience pregnancy tumors.  These puffy areas of the gums are typically non-cancerous, but can be painful or uncomfortable for you. Pregnancy tumors are inflammatory reactions to an irritant like plaque, and can bleed and become unsightly to some women, causing them to refrain from eating, smiling and talking. 

It is very important to see your dentist while you are pregnant. He will be able to ensure that your teeth remain healthy, as well as determine if you are prone to or suffering from any pregnancy induced oral health issues. 

Concerned About Your Oral Health?

Call Dr. Giri Palani today at (310) 894-8301 for your complimentary and individualized consultation, and to learn more about our holistic dental care in Beverly Hills.

Eating Disorders Can Harm Oral Health

The dangers of eating disorders are fairly widely known, but one aspect that is not as well-known is its danger to a person’s oral health. Dental health is highly dependent on the nutrition that the body receives. When a person suffers from an eating disorder, they are not providing their body with the required nutrients, which could result in swollen or bleeding gums, dry gums as a result of a lack of saliva being produced and damaged tooth enamel as a result of chronic vomiting.

It does not matter if you suffer from anorexia or bulimia; your teeth are at risk. In addition to talking to your doctor in order to get help to overcome the disorder, you need to stay in close contact with your Beverly Hills dentist and it is vital that you practice proper oral health. On a regular basis you should be:

• Practicing proper brushing techniques at least twice per day. This includes brushing all areas of your teeth and replacing your brush every couple of months.
• Flossing at least once per day in order to rid your teeth of harmful bacteria that the toothbrush cannot eliminate.
• Rinsing your mouth with baking soda and water after vomiting in order to neutralize the acid from the vomit.

Be sure to maintain your regular dental appointments. In general, you should see Dr. Giri Palani once every six months, but if you are suffering from additional dental problems as a result of your disorder, it is essential to see him more often. 

Holistic Dentistry in Beverly Hills

An important aspect of Dr. Palani's practice is Holistic Dentistry. Dr. Palani's interest in Holistic Dentistry stems from his Indian heritage where using natural remedies and herbal supplements is an important aspect of treating disease and total wellness.

Holistic Dentistry is based on the understanding that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body, and disease in the mouth can affect other body systems. His approach combines western and eastern medical philosophies and focuses on the most harmonious and natural treatments currently available.

The patient's health and safety ALWAYS comes first. The materials used by Dr. Palani are the most biocompatible, and the office is environmentally friendly. His treatment plans can include a package of vitamin complementation, herbal toothpastes and gum conditioners, exercise, co-enzymes, relaxation techniques and behavioral therapy, and nutritional counseling.

For more information about Dr. Palani and his philosophies of care, contact us today at 310-547-1128.