Why Your Mouth Says Just Say No to Cigarettes

Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas would like to recognize the upcoming World No Tobacco Day that occurs on May 31, 2014. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are celebrating World No Tobacco Day to spread awareness of the dangers of smoking. The WHO is specifically asking countries to raise taxes on tobacco in the hopes of decreasing tobacco consumption. According to the World Health Organization, one of its main objectives is “protecting present and future generations…from the devastating health consequences due to tobacco.” Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas provide stellar comprehensive dental services in Park Ridge. Our doctors commit themselves to helping you maintain a smile that enjoys both beauty and long-term health. The doctors will discuss the health risks of tobacco use for your mouth and your overall health.

Smoking’s Effect on Dental Health

Smoking can lead to the following dental health problems:

• Yellow, stained teeth
• Oral cancer
• Bad breath
• Elevated accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth
• Swelling of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
• Damage to the bone within the jaw
• Susceptibility for developing leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth
• Higher incidences of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss
• Poor outcomes with dental implants

Smoking’s Role in Gum Disease

Smoking elevates your chances of developing gum disease partly due to the fact that smoking causes tartar to build up more rapidly. The tartar buildup can cause gums to become inflamed or infected, commonly referred to as gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into a more serious form of gum disease where the gums and bone pull away from the teeth. As the gums and bone recede, spaces form around the teeth called periodontal pockets. As the bone and gums continue to break down, they become too weak to support the teeth, and the teeth become loose. Gum disease is the most common culprit behind adult tooth loss.

About Our Doctors

Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas care about the long-term health and well-being of each of their patients, and they seek to raise awareness of the effects of tobacco on dental health. They provide a wide range of general dentistry treatments in a welcoming atmosphere. If you would like to learn more about their practice in Park Ridge or to schedule a consultation, please call (847) 696-1919. They proudly treat patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.