Relieved that you’ve gone through menopause so most of your health woes are over?
You’re still at risk of a serious one if you’ve smoked.
Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition that may be related to the development of
cancer.
Here’s how smoking puts you at risk of losing your teeth – and your life
And heavy smokers (meaning those who smoked at least a pack a day for 26 years) were found to be nearly twice as likely to lose their teeth based on periodontal disease.
Heavy smokers also have a greater chance of developing a more aggressive and deadly form of bladder
cancer than non-smokers, says
FSP Health.
And this is another worrying factor for women, as the US National Institutes of Health
website adds that the proportion of bladder
cancer due to
smoking in women is now the same as for men—about 50%.
That’s even more reason to quit smoking!
Because if you’ve noticed your gums are swollen or even bleeding, gingivitis may have already set in, says
eHow.
This is a form of periodontal disease.
Luckily, you can take action today to avoid the need for serious interventions like painful gum grafts, dental implants and cosmetic surgery.
Five steps to take care of your teeth and prevent periodontal disease!
About.Dentistry says you can take five steps to prevent
periodontal disease.
1. Brush your teeth properly twice a day to remove plaque before it hardens.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste as this helps prevent decay.
3. Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque from in between your teeth.
4. Use a mouth rinse to help control plaque.
5. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy and so that any problems are fixed before they become more serious.
So if you haven’t already done so, quit smoking today and follow these steps to prevent periodontal disease so you keep your teeth for as long as possible!