Smoking and Periodontal Disease by Periodontist David Scharf

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Do you smoke? I am sure that you hear every day how smoking can put you at risk for many different health problems. Did you know that smoking can also put you at risk for gum disease? Long Island Periodontist Dr. David Scharf wants you to know this.

Any doctor will tell you that the best way to increase your life span is to quit smoking. The risk of contracting many different illnesses such as lung disease have been directly linked to smoking. Smoking also causes many dental problems. Smoking makes your teeth appear yellow and cause your breath to stink, but it can also lead to other more serious dental problems. Dr. Scharf a Long Island Periodontist encourages patients not to smoke as it is a significant risk factor for contracting periodontal disease. Reducing the amount that you smoke is a good start, but it does not solve the problem as there has been no major difference between someone who smokes a pack a day as opposed to someone who smokes only a few cigarettes a day. All that reducing smoking can do is reduce your risk by maybe 8% which is not very much.

A major problem is that smoking and Periodontal disease Long Island both put you at risk for some of the same illnesses such as circulatory problems that can lead to heart attacks and stroke. By eliminating the smoking you are reducing your direct risk for such health ailments. You are also reducing your risk indirectly by decreasing your chances of contracting gum diseases. The double risk caused by smoking with periodontal disease can be minimized by a proper dental regimen of brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, dental check ups and cleanings.

Proper dental care is only part of what must be done to significantly reduce your risk of contracting periodontal disease and other illnesses. The best way to greatly reduce your risk of not falling victim to any problems in the future is to take your doctor's advice and quit smoking and follow a proper dental hygiene regimen.

People who want to treat gum disease on Long Island should know that Periodontist Dr. David Scharf uses a laser rather than a scalpel to treat gum disease. To learn more about the Long Island Gum Laser call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633