Want to keep your teeth after you go through menopause? Quit smoking!

by Leigh Andrews, 04 March 2013

Smoking is one of the easiest ways to harm your health. It puts you at risk of lung cancer and yellows your nails and teeth. Now, research has found that smoking affects your teeth in a more serious way - it also makes postmenopausal women more likely to lose their teeth due to periodontal disease! Here's how to avoid this fate.

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.

Postmenopausal women who smoked are more likely to lose teeth due to periodontal disease than women who never smoked, says the University of Buffalo Medical Centre.

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!

Tags: teeth, menopause, smoking, quit smoking, cancer, periodontal disease

Vote article

Rating:

Note: 5 of 1 vote

Editor's Picks
Latest News
Most Read

FEATURED

Health Solutions

This powerful NATURAL compound has been shown to HALT cancer growth, STOP it from spreading, and PREVENT it from coming back!

Resources

Contact Privacy Policy FAQ Our Products Disclaimer About us Useful links Whitelist Your Health Bytes Our Shop Who We Are

Disclaimer:
Fleet Street Publications. The information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication. We do research all our recommendations and articles thoroughly, but we disclaim all liability for any inaccuracies or omissions found in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means of electronic or mechanical, including recording , photocopying, or via a computerised or electric storage or retrieval system without permission granted in writing from the publishers.