| Smoking
Recession
Lot of people smoke, the fastest growing segment of
which are teenage boys and girls. Recent studies in gum
disease suggest a correlation between smoking and increased
risk for gum disease or periodontal disease. Research
has identified tobacco use as a major risk factor in the
development and progression of periodontal disease. Smoking
suppresses the body's defense mechanisms against the progression
of periodontal infection. |
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| A
Mouth Full of Lead
Candy may have found a new partner in crime. Dental researchers
are beginning to look at the role of lead in tooth decay.When
lead is absorbed into the body, its concentrations build
up. Traditionally,lead poisoning generally occurs in children
when old, peeling lead paint is ingested (pica); though,
there are many other sources of potential contamination
(traffic fumes, tap water, etc). Lead poisoning Symptoms
include the appearance of dark band/ line along the gums,
local muscular paralysis, and colicky pains.
The amount of environmental exposure to sources of lead
have been estimated using primary teeth (baby teeth) for
some time. A recent study measured the lead content in
children's primary teeth and compared it to the incidence
of tooth decay. Their findings indicated that children
with 10 or more sites of decay had almost triple the amount
of lead in their bodies compared to chidren with no decay.
Researchers believe that the lead may replace protective
traces of metals embedded within tooth enamel; thereby,
rendering teeth more prone decay. |
| Cigars
Though marketing has successfully reintroduced cigars
into mainstream, their cancer-causing properties remain
unchanged. Infact, nearly 70 percent of all oral cancers
can be attributed to the use of tobacco products.
There are a number of factors, in addition to tobacco
use, that increase the risk of oral cancer: excessive
consumption of alcohol, a diet high in fat and salt, smoked
or nitrate-cured foods, a history of being overweight,
and poor oral health. As with all cancers, early detection
is critical. Regular dental exams are vital to the maintenance
of good oral health can help prevent the neglect of teeth
and gum tissue, which increases the risk of oral cancer. |
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