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.

Staying Mouth Healthy During Pregnancy, Part I

Gum Disease is a risk during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and awaiting the arrival of your baby can be an exciting time, but it can wreak havoc on your oral health. Your body goes through many hormonal changes, as well as physical changes that could affect the health of your mouth more than you may realize.

Gum Disease

The largest risk to your mouth during your pregnancy is the risk of gingivitis and gum (periodontal) disease. The hormones that are created to keep your baby safe can put you at higher risk for pregnancy- induced gingivitis.   If you don’t already have gum disease, this condition is usually   temporary, and usually appears between the second to eighth month of pregnancy. Keep up with your home care by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, as well as getting your professional cleanings. There has been some studies linking gum disease to premature births, so speak to your dentist about what you can do to if you have gum disease and reducing your risk of complications.  

Need to Schedule Your Next Cleaning in Beverly Hills?

Call us today at (310) 894-8301 for your complimentary and individualized consultation.

Suffering from Dental Pain?

Are You Suffering From Dental Pain?

When you suffer from a tooth abscess, you will suffer, literally. The pain from the bacteria infection is often severe, and it can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, in addition to stopping you from completing work at the office during the day. You could fall victim to a tooth abscess at any time, so it is best to be prepared in case it happens.

When you have a tooth cavity, it can cause an infection, known as an abscess. When bacteria grows a pus pocket will form. There is no specific region where an abscess can occur.

There are various symptoms that can alert you that a tooth abscess has arrived. Some of those signs include:

• Red Face and Mouth
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Gum Inflammation
• Pus Drainage
• Pain…and lots of it.

You can rinse your mouth out with warm water if you are suffering from a dental abscess. To treat the pain, you can purchase naproxen or ibuprofen, but these anti-inflammatory medicines will provide a small – if any – amount of relief. The pain may stop temporarily, but the infection is still alive and well. You will need to consult with a dentist as soon as possible to treat your infection, and get you back to work, and resting without issue during the night.

Keep in mind that if a tooth abscess goes untreated, it could lead to a more severe dental issue. This condition can spread, and cause you to become extremely ill.  

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Have you scheduled your next cleaning visit? Give our office at Total SmileCare a call at (310) 894-8301 or visit our website at www.drpalani.com to learn more about your beautiful smile.