Prehn Dental Office

It is sad when I see a patient like I just saw this morning who came in with his front four teeth loose. He was playing basketball and wasn’t wearing his sport’s mouth guard. If you participate in any contact sport (football, basketball, or any sport where you risk getting an elbow to the mouth), please protect your oral cavity and have a sports mouth guard made. There are many different kinds available and you “get what you pay for”. The more expensive ones do a much better job but anything is better than nothing. If you play sports, take care of your teeth!

In the past 26 years, smokeless tobacco has actually decreased..thank goodness!  I tell my smokeless tobacco users to obviously quit but if not, please “move it around” because long-term placement in the same place in the oral cavity can cause a condition called leukoplakia; which can lead to pre-cancer and then to squamous cell carcinoma.  The topical application of the nicotine and the carcinogens in tobacco is extremely hard on the gums and soft tissue.  It absorbs into your body and can not only cause long-term systemic effects on your body but also cause topical effects such as oral cancer.  Consider switching to sugarless chewing gum or something else but tobacco is NOT in the best interest of your over-all health.

The long-term effects of smoking and tobacco use have long been documented but its effect on periodontal health is extreme.  Very few smokers in my practice have strong, healthy teeth by the time they hit mid-age or beyond.  There are a few exceptions and these patients probably brush and floss two or three times per day.  However, for the most part, smoking is detrimental to the long-term health of your oral cavity. Most smokers, with poor oral hygiene, will end up losing their teeth during their lifetime. For your body’s sake, quit smoking and also quit for your oral health!