We know smoking is not good for us.  Smoking harms nearly every organ in our body, causes diseases, and decreases our overall health.  We know it increases our likelihood of stroke, heart attack, cancer, and lung disease, but do you really know what it does to your teeth?  You might know smoking gives you bad breath, and yellow teeth.  But did you know it increases bone loss in your jaw?  Or increases plaque and tarter buildup on your teeth?  Smoking slows down the healing process after tooth extractions, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery.  It lowers the success rate of dental implants.  Smoking also causes white patches inside the mouth (leukoplakia) and inflames the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth.  It leads to gum disease, which leads to tooth loss, and causes cancer. We know quitting smoking is hard.  Feel free to talk to Dr. Bomstad or Dr. Karban for advice.  Here are some links that might help you … [Read more...]