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Smoking, Teeth, & Gums: 8 Hazards + Best Quitting Strategies

You have heard it from your family, friends, and spouses — you need to quit smoking.

From the people closest to you to the doctor you see once a year, they’ve all told you about the detrimental effects smoking has on your body. What is discussed less often is the effect that smoking has on your oral health.

It is true that a healthy smile is maintained by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly.

These efforts, however important and necessary, cannot counter the harmful effects of smoking without purposeful intent and steps toward quitting.

I chose to get into dentistry, in large part, after watching the terrible impact of smoking on my friends and family as a teenager and young adult.

I’ll say the same thing I tell them: Your health is worth it. Your mind is worth it. Most of all, you are worth the effort to quit smoking.

What happens when you quit smoking? Benefits + Withdrawal

Quitting smoking after weeks, months, or years is no easy feat. You may feel hesitant to quit smoking because of the withdrawal effects of nicotine. You might even validate continuing smoking because you believe the “damage is already done.”

The human body is resilient and strong if you just give it a chance. In less than a half-hour, your body begins its repair process.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting an addictive substance such as nicotine has short-term withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can last weeks to months and the first week is always the most difficult. However, these will fade over time and the long-term benefits discussed above are well worth it.

Some symptoms include the following:

Nicotine Cravings

Cravings can be completely sporadic, or they can be stimulated by seeing other people smoking, smelling smoke, or doing an activity that used to accompany smoking (i.e. reading, drinking coffee).

These are called “triggers.”

On the bright side, nicotine cravings from these triggers usually last 15-20 minutes long. It can be very helpful if you can find something to occupy your mind during this time.

Weight Gain

The nicotine in cigarettes triggers the release of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Once you stop smoking, your body will experience a drop in blood glucose, which can have you craving foods that are high in sugars, carbohydrates, and fats.

When people are trying to quit, they most often replace cigarettes with food. If this is the case, try choosing a healthy snack that you can take on the go, such as carrots, nuts, or apples.

Depression, Anxiety, Irritability

Smokers are more likely to experience depression than non-smokers. Nicotine binds to certain receptors in your brain that release dopamine, the“feel-good” hormones.

When you stop smoking, less dopamine is released than your body was previously accustomed to, making you feel sad, anxious, and irritable.

When you begin to feel this way, call a friend or family member and talk to them about it. Plan something fun to do with your friends or an event to look forward to. Keeping busy with physical activity may even boost your energy and mood.

8 Effects of Smoking on Oral & Overall Health

Smoking negatively affects every functioning part of your body, including your mouth. It is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and kills millions of people each year. Below, I discuss 8 effects that smoking causes, some you may know and others that are lesser-known.

1. Increased Risk of Oral Cancer

Over 70,000 chemicals make up tobacco smoke. 7,000 of these chemicals are known carcinogens.

75 to 90% of people who have been diagnosed with oral cancer have been tobacco users.

In a study done by the American Cancer Society, male cigarette smokers had 28 times the risk of developing oral cancer than males who have never smoked. Women smokers had 6 times the chance of developing oral cancer than women who do not smoke.

It has been established that there is a direct causal relationship between cigarette smoking and oral cancer.

2. High Probability of Gum Disease & Bone Loss

Tobacco is the biggest risk factor for gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of your gums and the surrounding bone structure that anchors your teeth to your mouth. In severe cases, gum disease can eat away at your bone, leaving little support for your teeth.

Pocket depths (space between your gum and tooth) become large enough for bacteria to accumulate and cause extensive decay. This results in increased mobility, which you may notice when your teeth move around in their socket more than they should, and may even cause your teeth to fall out.

The toxic chemicals in smoking weaken your body’s ability to fight infection, leading to gum disease, bone destruction, and eventually tooth loss.

3. Tooth Decay/Cavities

Cavities are caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of proper oral hygiene and eating a diet high in carbohydrates and sugars.

The presence of cavities has also been linked to the usage of nicotine.

Streptococcus mutans is a bacteria found in the oral cavity that is a well-known contributor to dental caries, or cavities. The severity of cavities is increased with an increased ingestion of nicotine.

Studies have shown that nicotine enhances the growth of this specific bacteria, therefore contributing to tooth decay.

4. Tooth Discoloration and Yellowing

There are two types of staining that can happen to the teeth: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic stains occur when the inner part of the tooth (dentin) yellows. This can be due to trauma to your teeth as a kid, ingesting an excess of fluoride, certain antibiotics, or if the doctor prescribed your mother tetracycline while she was pregnant with you.

Extrinsic staining results when the outer structure of the tooth gets discolored. This can be caused by coffee, red wine, or other richly pigmented food.

When you smoke, your tooth enamel is dried out and worn away more quickly than it should be. This premature “aging” of the tooth structure leads to intrinsic yellowing. Smoking is also one major cause of extrinsic staining due to the nicotine, tar, and other chemicals present.

5. Bad Breath

Bad breath can make anyone feel self-conscious. Smoker’s breath, in particular, is extremely obvious.

Smoking dries out your mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. Saliva is needed to wash away all the debris, dead cells, and plaque that regularly accumulate.

Moreover, as we mentioned above, smoking also leads to gum disease. Having deeper gum pockets is a home for food and bacteria that are harder to clean, resulting in bad breath.

6. Leukoplakia (White Patches Inside Mouth)

Coincidentally, another phrase for leukoplakia is “smoker’s keratosis.”

Leukoplakia is a collection of thick, white patches that form on the inside of your mouth. Leukoplakia can occur the borders of your tongue, gum, and inside your cheeks.

Tobacco, especially chewing tobacco, is the most common cause of leukoplakia and can indicate early signs of oral cancer. Even after leukoplakia patches are surgically removed by your dentist, your risk of oral cancer remains if you continue smoking.

7. Poor Healing & Unsuccessful Dental Procedures

As mentioned, smoking can cause gum disease, yellowing of teeth, and tooth decay. If you care about the health and beauty of your smile, you may want to consider certain dental treatments.

Even if you have professional teeth whitening done, there will be recurrent yellowing of your teeth if you continue smoking. If your dentist suggests an implant for a missing tooth, for example, the implant must integrate into your jaw and become supported by your bone.

The failure rate of implants is significantly higher for those who smoke than those who do not. Failure happens in as many 6.5% to 20% of cases.

For this reason, some dentists will not even place an implant unless you commit to quitting smoking.

8. Other Health Effects of Smoking

We know that smoking can cause lung cancer, heart cancer, and oral cancer. We also know that it negatively affects our respiratory system as well as our circulatory system, making it harder for us to breathe and exert physical energy. Here are a few other results of smoking that are less discussed:

Cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Smokers have a higher risk of developing vision problems than non-smokers, such as clouding of the lenses and an increase in intraocular pressure. Studies have shown that tobacco is significantly associated with cataracts, showing a stronger association with smokeless tobacco.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Both smoking and diabetes adversely affect the functions of blood glucose. When combined, these effects are multiplied.

One study reported that smoking reduced insulin-mediated glucose in men by 10-40% more than in men who do not smoke. Since nicotine is associated with insulin resistance, smoking cessation is an important target for diabetic control.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the joints of your hands and feet and is caused by genetic and environmental factors.

Studies have shown that heavy cigarette smoking over a prolonged period of time is strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis development.

Birth Defects

Smoking while pregnant is an established risk factor for a wide range of birth defects. This includes premature births, low birth weight, and orofacial anomalies.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), more than 100,000 babies have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, prematurity, and low birth weight due to maternal smoking.

Despite these risks, many women still smoke while pregnant, perhaps because they think the risks are exaggerated or simply because they just do not believe any of these things will happen to their child.

More educational materials should be available and advocated to stop maternal smoking or prevent it from happening in the first place.

Benefits of Quitting

Let’s look at a timeline of how you start to heal after you put out that last cigarette:

20 minutes…

Your heart rate drops to a relatively normal level. This could range from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm).

12-24 hours…

Cigarettes contain a toxin known as carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide enters the blood and blocks the body’s ability to carry oxygen to its cells. Vital organs, such as the heart and brain, do not receive enough oxygen to function properly.

However, within just one day or quitting, your carbon levels return to normal.

2 weeks-3 months…

Your circulation and the functions of your lungs improve. Your risk of a heart attack begins to drop.

1-9 months…

Your breathing improves. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath has decreased.

1 year…

Your risk of coronary heart disease is reduced by 50%. In other words, you have ½ the chance of getting coronary heart disease than a current smoker.

5-15 years…

Your risk of oral cancer, throat cancer, and esophageal cancer are reduced by 50%. Your risk of having a stroke has reduced to the same risk of that of a non-smoker’s.

10 years…

Your risk of lung cancer is half of that of a smoker’s risk. Bladder cancer, laryngeal cancer, and cervical cancer are also cut in half.

15 years…

Your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker (recall that in just one year, it was reduced by half).

Steps to Quitting [Conventional + Natural]

Nicotine is a powerful drug, but the human mind and spirit are stronger.

Quitting is no easy feat, but it is not impossible.

There are many ways to help yourself quit which are discussed below. The most important way to quit and to stay healthy is having a good support system. Friends, family, and partners who love you and care for your well-being will always be there when you feel weak.

Conventional Remedies for Kicking the Habit

Tobacco cravings can overpower your discipline. Some people are not ready to completely give up smoking and do not want to go through the withdrawal symptoms that we mentioned previously.

If quitting cold turkey is not for you, consider asking your doctor or dentist about certain medications that can help you quit.

You’ll notice that vaping is not on this list. Smoking anything will dry out the mouth and wreck your oral health, and vaping is associated with many of the same drawbacks as smoking regular cigarettes. It’s not worth it!

Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT’s)

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved several types of NRT’s that gradually wean you from nicotine dependence. These products supply nicotine in controlled amounts that eventually decrease over time:

Skin Patches

Chewing Gum

Lozenge (tablet)

These are all FDA approved and available for over the counter (OTC) purchase. Be mindful of following the exact instructions and let your doctor know if you are experiencing any adverse symptoms.

Non-nicotine Medications

The FDA has also approved medication that contain no nicotine, but reduce nicotine cravings and urges:

Zyban (bupropion)

Chantix (varenicline)

Both these medications interfere with nicotinic receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasure you get from smoking. Both these medications must be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Once again, if you are experiencing any adverse symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your doctor to modify your smoking cessation plan.

Natural Quitting Strategies

There are a few ways you may be able to naturally support your transition away from smoking and other forms of tobacco.

Yoga

An analysis of 10 studies, published in 2014, found that yoga-based “cessation strategies” had a positive effect in helping smokers kick the habit.

If you’re not sure you’re ready to do yoga on your own, look for a class in your area or search for a yoga instructor who offers private sessions.

Acupuncture

A massive study conducted in Hong Kong followed nearly 3,000 smokers through an 8-week course of acupuncture.

The results were promising, showing that 34% of smokers were able to quit for a full week after the 8 sessions, while 18.4% successfully stopped smoking for an entire year. For those who continued to smoke, the number of cigarettes smoked each day and the carbon monoxide each person inhaled dropped dramatically.

Hypnotherapy

A clinical trial conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston tested the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy against hypnotherapy for smoking cessation.

What they found was astounding. The patients in this study had already been “hospitalized for a smoking-related illness,” and the researchers found that patients treated with hypnotherapy were twice as likely to have successfully quit smoking after 26 weeks out of the hospital than NRT patients!

Mindfulness & Meditation

The practice of “mindfulness” is a psychological habit involving a purposeful focus on what is currently happening in the present without judgment.

Don’t let the explanation distract you from the evidence-based nature of this treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has picked up on this kind of meditation as an extremely effective method of treatment for anxiety and other mental health concerns.

As it turns out, this seems to extend to smoking cessation, too. When this practice was introduced to 47 meditation “newbies” who wanted to quit smoking, MRIs of their brains showed that mindfulness practice reduced the neural signs of cravings (as well as their self-reported cravings).

T’ai chi, a Chinese martial art used as a form of meditation, may be an effective way to quit as well. A Florida-based survey found that people who practiced t’ai chi as a quitting tool were subjectively more aware of their addiction cycles and experienced fewer cravings.

My S.T.O.P Method for Facing Common Challenges

One of the hardest parts of quitting is that there are so many barriers, particularly for anyone who has had the habit for many years or even decades. With those challenges in mind, quit smoking with my S.T.O.P method!

Stay busy

Tell people

Organize

Perspective

Stay busy: If you need to do something with your hands, perhaps you can find a hobby, such as painting, that keeps your hands busy. If you need to have something in your mouth, pack up on sugar-free gum and healthy snacks.

Disassociate behaviors from your regular routine that accompany lighting up. For example, if you usually have a cigarette with your morning coffee, perhaps you can instead read a book or the news while you have your coffee. It can be whatever you like!

Tell people: set a quit date and tell your friends and family about it. If you make this decision public, everyone who cares for your well-being will be there to support every step you take toward quitting.

Moreover, telling people you are quitting, and specifically asking them not to smoke around you, can prevent you from having nicotinic urges and relapsing.

Organize: organize your home to make it a smoke-free environment with no triggers. Throw out all your cigarette boxes, ashtrays, and other tobacco products. Have a plan for when you do feel a nicotinic urge.

For example, “when I feel the need to smoke, I will …” It can be as simple as a phone call to a friend or walking in the park.

Perspective: put things into perspective. Remind yourself that the pleasure you feel from smoking will never outweigh the happiness of a healthy life. To run with your dog, play catch with your child for a long time and going for jogs on a crisp fall day, are all things you can enjoy all the more when you are smoke free.

How to Correct Dental Damage from Smoking

The first step is to this is realizing that your dental damage is indeed from smoking. There is a plethora of information available online you can educate yourself on how smoking negatively attributes to oral health.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to help you begin the smoking cessation process. Be open and honest with your dentist about your goals and together you can come up with a plan to begin your steps toward quitting. One important part of this process will be frequent oral cancer screenings.

Adhere to your appointments so that your dentist can identify your current issues and create a treatment plan to fix these issues and maintain your oral health long after these issues have been treated.

Your dentist can help you develop a plan for both the cosmetic issues (teeth yellowing, etc.) and the functional issues (periodontal disease, cavities, etc.) that have arisen from your habit.

No matter how much money you put into getting dental work done, or how excellent the dentist is, all will be pointless if you continue smoking thereafter. The dentist does 50% of the work, the rest relies on you!

Be patient with yourself and stay committed to quitting. You can get the results you want.

Maintaining Good Oral Health After Smoking

1. Make an appointment with your dentist

A brighter smile after smoking is not impossible. Make an appointment with your dentist to identify any current issues that have resulted from smoking.

This may include inflammation, gum disease, or tooth decay.

In addition to an assessment of the damage, regular dental visits are important for prevention of future issues, as a teeth cleaning will clear your teeth of hardened plaque/calculus.

2. Teeth Whitening

If the discoloration from smoking makes you feel insecure, ask your dentist about teeth whitening methods.

You can opt for a professional whitening at the dental office, an at-home kit, or DIY options. After you get your teeth whitening done, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent yellowing.

3. Oral Hygiene Habits

Keeping up with your oral hygiene at home regularly is necessary for improvement. Whether you are a smoker or non-smoker, always be sure to:

Floss at least once a day, making sure to wrap the floss in a C-shape along the gum line

Brush at least twice a day

Scrape your tongue after your morning brushing session

Try tongue scraping to rid your tongue of buildup of bacteria

Practice oil pulling, especially if your gum bleed regularly

Chew oral probiotics to help restore proper balance of your oral microbiome

Is vaping, chewing tobacco, or smoking marijuana healthier than cigarettes?

The short answer is no. To explain why, let’s break each of these down.

Vaping

Many people, particularly teens and young adults, have switched to vaping with the advent of e-cigarettes.

Just because e-cigarettes are flavored and lack the pungent smell of cigarettes, they still have many of the same harmful effects on our organs as cigarettes do. E-cigarettes are considered a tobacco product and are as equally unsafe because of the addictive nicotine that is present in them.

The issue is that e-cigarettes are being marketed as a “healthier alternative” to smoking, which has become a public health problem.

In addition to the negative impact of tobacco and the other chemicals found in vaping liquids, the act of smoking will, itself, dry out the mouth and contribute to oral dysbiosis. This imbalance of bacteria in your mouth is one of the biggest risk factors for cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and possibly even oral thrush.

Chewing Tobacco

Chewing tobacco, or smokeless tobacco, is especially dangerous. It is a pouch that is placed in between your gums and teeth or in the cheek.

Chewing tobacco gives you the same amount of nicotine as smoking, so it is just as harmful. Not only does it destroy your gums, but it has also been linked to oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. There are around 30 identified chemicals in chewing tobacco that are reported carcinogens.

As mentioned previously, chewing tobacco is also associated with high rates of leukoplakia. Advertising something as “smokeless” just as deceiving as it is harmful.

Vaping/Smoking Marijuana

Smoking weed is not good for your teeth. It dries your mouth, which prevents saliva from doing its job of cleaning the debris and plaque present in your mouth.

THC is the main psychotropic agent in marijuana, which increases your appetite for foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, AKA “munchies.”

The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that people who smoke marijuana regularly have a much higher number of cavities than people who do not smoke marijuana.

In 2020, the CDC reported that vaping THC products has led to a high rate of hospitalizations and even deaths, due to the combination of chemicals often involved. As of January 2020, there were 60 confirmed deaths and 2,711 hospitalizations involving THC vaping products.

If THC is legal in your area and you still want or need to use it, try using healthier alternatives to smoking, such as baked goods or sugar-free candies. It’s a good idea to prevent “the munchies” from leading you to decay-causing foods, so keep snacks around that will support a healthy mouth instead.

If marijuana is illegal in your area and/or you’re most concerned about addressing anxiety, consider CBD oil as an alternative.

A Brief History of Smoking

Tobacco has been grown and cultivated for hundreds of years. When the Europeans arrived in the early 16th century, the consumption and trading of tobacco quickly spread.

As time progressed and modernization of farming took place, tobacco became more readily available in mass quantities. At first, tobacco was used mainly for pipes, chewing, and snuff. People then started using cigars, and it was not until after the Civil War did cigarettes become popular.

There is a very educational timeline of tobacco and its uses in different parts of the country by the World Health Organization.

Eliminating Secondhand Smoke

When you make the decision to smoke, it is a choice that you made for yourself. However, it is also a choice that you made for other people through second-hand smoking.

The HHS reported that more than 20 million people have died from smoking-related illnesses, but 2.5 million of these were non-smokers that died from second-hand smoke. Young children are the most affected by second-hand smoking, through the adults around them or parents smoking at home.

If you have not yet made the decision to quit, keep in mind the people around you that are potentially being harmed by your decisions.

FAQs on Smoking and Dental Health

Will my dentist know if I smoke?

A: Even if you chew gum and shower your body in perfume or cologne, your dentist will be able to tell if you smoke by just looking in your mouth.

There are many signs of smoking, such as inflammation, leukoplakia, and deep gum pockets. Another sign of smoking is xerostomia (dry mouth), recurrent tooth decay (cavities), and significant plaque buildup.

Does smoking age my face?

A: Smoking does indeed age your face much faster than normal. You will notice premature wrinkling, such as “crow’s feet” which originate at the corner of your eyes, and “cobblestone wrinkles” which run down your neck.

The chemicals in smoking also make your skin lose moisture and degrades collagen, creating a dry and dull appearance. One study shows that long-term smokers (greater than 10 years) have similar skin features, regardless of their age, exposure to sun, or weight.

How can you make your gums pink again after smoking?

A: The melanin that causes the color of your skin is also present in your gums. The color of your gums depends on the color of your skin and can vary greatly from person to person.

The nicotine present in tobacco promotes melanin secretion, resulting in darker gums than normal. “Gingival melanosis,” or darkening of the gingiva, is significantly higher in smokers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day.

Quitting smoking reduces this pigmentation to normal, healthy gums.

How long should my gums bleed after quitting smoking?

A: Smokers have a wide range of oral health issues, but bleeding gums is not one of them. This is because there is very little blood supply to the gums, which leads them into thinking they may not have gum disease, even though they most likely do.

When you quit smoking and your circulation improves, there will be more blood to your gums, and therefore more bleeding. Bleeding gums should subside after a dental cleaning by your dentist or hygienist. You can also reduce the inflammation by oil pulling regularly.

Key Takeaways: Smoking

You know about all the negative effects that smoking has on your body. I hope this article gives you a deeper understanding of the effects that smoking has on your oral health as well.

Quitting smoking may seem like a long and difficult road, but we have seen that the healing process that takes place in just 20 minutes of putting out your last cigarette.

It is the best thing that you can do for yourself and all the people around you.

Talk to your dentist or doctor about quitting smoking. Together you can create a plan to help you live a healthier life. Your support system is one of the most important factors during this process, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Stay active, keep busy, and do things you enjoy. One day you will thank yourself!

15 References

Johnson, N. (2001). Tobacco use and oral cancer: a global perspective. Journal of dental education, 65(4), 328-339. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11336118

Borojevic, T. (2012). Smoking and periodontal disease. Materia socio-medica, 24(4), 274. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633395/

Liu, S., Wu, T., Zhou, X., Zhang, B., Huo, S., Yang, Y., … & Li, M. (2018). Nicotine is a risk factor for dental caries: an in vivo study. Journal of Dental Sciences, 13(1), 30-36. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388820/

Muthukrishnan, A., & Warnakulasuriya, S. (2018). Oral health consequences of smokeless tobacco use. The Indian journal of medical research, 148(1), 35. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172921/

Kasat, V., & Ladda, R. (2012). Smoking and dental implants. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, 2(2), 38. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894084/#sec1-3title

Raju, P., George, R., Ramesh, S. V., Arvind, H., Baskaran, M., & Vijaya, L. (2006). Influence of tobacco use on cataract development. British journal of ophthalmology, 90(11), 1374-1377. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1857475/

Chang, S. A. (2012). Smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes & metabolism journal, 36(6), 399-403. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530709/

Hutchinson, D., Shepstone, L., Moots, R., Lear, J. T., & Lynch, M. P. (2001). Heavy cigarette smoking is strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly in patients without a family history of RA. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 60(3), 223-227. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1753588/

Dai, C. L., & Sharma, M. (2014). Between inhale and exhale: Yoga as an intervention in smoking cessation. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 19(2), 144-149. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24647095

Wang, Y. Y., Liu, Z., Wu, Y., Zhang, O., Chen, M., Huang, L. L., … & Yang, J. S. (2016). Acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong: A prospective multicenter observational study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5149689/

Piet, J., Hougaard, E., Hecksher, M. S., & Rosenberg, N. K. (2010). A randomized pilot study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy and group cognitive‐behavioral therapy for young adults with social phobia. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 51(5), 403-410. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20210911

Westbrook, C., Creswell, J. D., Tabibnia, G., Julson, E., Kober, H., & Tindle, H. A. (2013). Mindful attention reduces neural and self-reported cue-induced craving in smokers. Social cognitive and affective neuroscience, 8(1), 73-84. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3541484/

Gryffin, P. A., & Chen, W. C. (2013). Implications of t’ai chi for smoking cessation. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(2), 141-145. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22775366

Oquaish, T., & Arif, M. (2013). Tell‑tale signs of a chronic smoker. Lung India, 30(1), 79. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644846/

Kato, T., Takiuchi, H., Sugiyama, S., Makino, M., Noguchi, S., Katayama-Ono, T., … & Naito, T. (2016). Measurement of reduced gingival melanosis after smoking cessation: A novel analysis of gingival pigmentation using clinical oral photographs. International journal of environmental research and public health, 13(6), 598. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924055/

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dentalinfotoday · 6 years ago

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You have heard it from your family, friends, and spouses — you need to quit smoking.

It is true that a healthy smile is maintained by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly.

These efforts, however important and necessary, cannot counter the harmful effects of smoking without purposeful intent and steps toward quitting.

I chose to get into dentistry, in large part, after watching the terrible impact of smoking on my friends and family as a teenager and young adult.

I’ll say the same thing I tell them: Your health is worth it. Your mind is worth it. Most of all, you are worth the effort to quit smoking.

What happens when you quit smoking? Benefits + Withdrawal

The human body is resilient and strong if you just give it a chance. In less than a half-hour, your body begins its repair process.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Some symptoms include the following:

Nicotine Cravings

Cravings can be completely sporadic, or they can be stimulated by seeing other people smoking, smelling smoke, or doing an activity that used to accompany smoking (i.e. reading, drinking coffee).

These are called “triggers.”

On the bright side, nicotine cravings from these triggers usually last 15-20 minutes long. It can be very helpful if you can find something to occupy your mind during this time.

Weight Gain

When people are trying to quit, they most often replace cigarettes with food. If this is the case, try choosing a healthy snack that you can take on the go, such as carrots, nuts, or apples.

Depression, Anxiety, Irritability

Smokers are more likely to experience depression than non-smokers. Nicotine binds to certain receptors in your brain that release dopamine, the“feel-good” hormones.

When you stop smoking, less dopamine is released than your body was previously accustomed to, making you feel sad, anxious, and irritable.

8 Effects of Smoking on Oral & Overall Health

1. Increased Risk of Oral Cancer

Over 70,000 chemicals make up tobacco smoke. 7,000 of these chemicals are known carcinogens.

75 to 90% of people who have been diagnosed with oral cancer have been tobacco users.

It has been established that there is a direct causal relationship between cigarette smoking and oral cancer.

2. High Probability of Gum Disease & Bone Loss

The toxic chemicals in smoking weaken your body’s ability to fight infection, leading to gum disease, bone destruction, and eventually tooth loss.

3. Tooth Decay/Cavities

Cavities are caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of proper oral hygiene and eating a diet high in carbohydrates and sugars.

The presence of cavities has also been linked to the usage of nicotine.

Studies have shown that nicotine enhances the growth of this specific bacteria, therefore contributing to tooth decay.

4. Tooth Discoloration and Yellowing

There are two types of staining that can happen to the teeth: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Extrinsic staining results when the outer structure of the tooth gets discolored. This can be caused by coffee, red wine, or other richly pigmented food.

5. Bad Breath

Bad breath can make anyone feel self-conscious. Smoker’s breath, in particular, is extremely obvious.

Smoking dries out your mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. Saliva is needed to wash away all the debris, dead cells, and plaque that regularly accumulate.

Moreover, as we mentioned above, smoking also leads to gum disease. Having deeper gum pockets is a home for food and bacteria that are harder to clean, resulting in bad breath.

6. Leukoplakia (White Patches Inside Mouth)

Coincidentally, another phrase for leukoplakia is “smoker’s keratosis.”

Leukoplakia is a collection of thick, white patches that form on the inside of your mouth. Leukoplakia can occur the borders of your tongue, gum, and inside your cheeks.

7. Poor Healing & Unsuccessful Dental Procedures

As mentioned, smoking can cause gum disease, yellowing of teeth, and tooth decay. If you care about the health and beauty of your smile, you may want to consider certain dental treatments.

The failure rate of implants is significantly higher for those who smoke than those who do not. Failure happens in as many 6.5% to 20% of cases.

For this reason, some dentists will not even place an implant unless you commit to quitting smoking.

8. Other Health Effects of Smoking

Cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Both smoking and diabetes adversely affect the functions of blood glucose. When combined, these effects are multiplied.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the joints of your hands and feet and is caused by genetic and environmental factors.

Studies have shown that heavy cigarette smoking over a prolonged period of time is strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis development.

Birth Defects

Smoking while pregnant is an established risk factor for a wide range of birth defects. This includes premature births, low birth weight, and orofacial anomalies.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), more than 100,000 babies have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, prematurity, and low birth weight due to maternal smoking.

More educational materials should be available and advocated to stop maternal smoking or prevent it from happening in the first place.

Benefits of Quitting

Let’s look at a timeline of how you start to heal after you put out that last cigarette:

20 minutes…

Your heart rate drops to a relatively normal level. This could range from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm).

12-24 hours…

However, within just one day or quitting, your carbon levels return to normal.

2 weeks-3 months…

Your circulation and the functions of your lungs improve. Your risk of a heart attack begins to drop.

1-9 months…

Your breathing improves. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath has decreased.

1 year…

Your risk of coronary heart disease is reduced by 50%. In other words, you have ½ the chance of getting coronary heart disease than a current smoker.

5-15 years…

Your risk of oral cancer, throat cancer, and esophageal cancer are reduced by 50%. Your risk of having a stroke has reduced to the same risk of that of a non-smoker’s.

10 years…

Your risk of lung cancer is half of that of a smoker’s risk. Bladder cancer, laryngeal cancer, and cervical cancer are also cut in half.

15 years…

Your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker (recall that in just one year, it was reduced by half).

Steps to Quitting [Conventional + Natural]

Nicotine is a powerful drug, but the human mind and spirit are stronger.

Quitting is no easy feat, but it is not impossible.

Conventional Remedies for Kicking the Habit

Tobacco cravings can overpower your discipline. Some people are not ready to completely give up smoking and do not want to go through the withdrawal symptoms that we mentioned previously.

If quitting cold turkey is not for you, consider asking your doctor or dentist about certain medications that can help you quit.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT’s)

Skin Patches

Chewing Gum

Lozenge (tablet)

These are all FDA approved and available for over the counter (OTC) purchase. Be mindful of following the exact instructions and let your doctor know if you are experiencing any adverse symptoms.

Non-nicotine Medications

The FDA has also approved medication that contain no nicotine, but reduce nicotine cravings and urges:

Zyban (bupropion)

Chantix (varenicline)

Both these medications interfere with nicotinic receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasure you get from smoking. Both these medications must be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Once again, if you are experiencing any adverse symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your doctor to modify your smoking cessation plan.

Natural Quitting Strategies

There are a few ways you may be able to naturally support your transition away from smoking and other forms of tobacco.

Yoga

An analysis of 10 studies, published in 2014, found that yoga-based “cessation strategies” had a positive effect in helping smokers kick the habit.

If you’re not sure you’re ready to do yoga on your own, look for a class in your area or search for a yoga instructor who offers private sessions.

Acupuncture

A massive study conducted in Hong Kong followed nearly 3,000 smokers through an 8-week course of acupuncture.

Hypnotherapy

A clinical trial conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston tested the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy against hypnotherapy for smoking cessation.

Mindfulness & Meditation

The practice of “mindfulness” is a psychological habit involving a purposeful focus on what is currently happening in the present without judgment.

My S.T.O.P Method for Facing Common Challenges

Stay busy

Tell people

Organize

Perspective

Moreover, telling people you are quitting, and specifically asking them not to smoke around you, can prevent you from having nicotinic urges and relapsing.

For example, “when I feel the need to smoke, I will …” It can be as simple as a phone call to a friend or walking in the park.

How to Correct Dental Damage from Smoking

Your dentist can help you develop a plan for both the cosmetic issues (teeth yellowing, etc.) and the functional issues (periodontal disease, cavities, etc.) that have arisen from your habit.

Be patient with yourself and stay committed to quitting. You can get the results you want.

Maintaining Good Oral Health After Smoking

1. Make an appointment with your dentist

A brighter smile after smoking is not impossible. Make an appointment with your dentist to identify any current issues that have resulted from smoking.

This may include inflammation, gum disease, or tooth decay.

In addition to an assessment of the damage, regular dental visits are important for prevention of future issues, as a teeth cleaning will clear your teeth of hardened plaque/calculus.

2. Teeth Whitening

If the discoloration from smoking makes you feel insecure, ask your dentist about teeth whitening methods.

3. Oral Hygiene Habits

Keeping up with your oral hygiene at home regularly is necessary for improvement. Whether you are a smoker or non-smoker, always be sure to:

Floss at least once a day, making sure to wrap the floss in a C-shape along the gum line

Brush at least twice a day

Scrape your tongue after your morning brushing session

Try tongue scraping to rid your tongue of buildup of bacteria

Practice oil pulling, especially if your gum bleed regularly

Chew oral probiotics to help restore proper balance of your oral microbiome

Is vaping, chewing tobacco, or smoking marijuana healthier than cigarettes?

The short answer is no. To explain why, let’s break each of these down.

Vaping

Many people, particularly teens and young adults, have switched to vaping with the advent of e-cigarettes.

The issue is that e-cigarettes are being marketed as a “healthier alternative” to smoking, which has become a public health problem.

Chewing Tobacco

Chewing tobacco, or smokeless tobacco, is especially dangerous. It is a pouch that is placed in between your gums and teeth or in the cheek.

As mentioned previously, chewing tobacco is also associated with high rates of leukoplakia. Advertising something as “smokeless” just as deceiving as it is harmful.

Vaping/Smoking Marijuana

Smoking weed is not good for your teeth. It dries your mouth, which prevents saliva from doing its job of cleaning the debris and plaque present in your mouth.

THC is the main psychotropic agent in marijuana, which increases your appetite for foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, AKA “munchies.”

The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that people who smoke marijuana regularly have a much higher number of cavities than people who do not smoke marijuana.

If marijuana is illegal in your area and/or you’re most concerned about addressing anxiety, consider CBD oil as an alternative.

A Brief History of Smoking

Tobacco has been grown and cultivated for hundreds of years. When the Europeans arrived in the early 16th century, the consumption and trading of tobacco quickly spread.

There is a very educational timeline of tobacco and its uses in different parts of the country by the World Health Organization.

Eliminating Secondhand Smoke

When you make the decision to smoke, it is a choice that you made for yourself. However, it is also a choice that you made for other people through second-hand smoking.

If you have not yet made the decision to quit, keep in mind the people around you that are potentially being harmed by your decisions.

FAQs on Smoking and Dental Health

Will my dentist know if I smoke?

A: Even if you chew gum and shower your body in perfume or cologne, your dentist will be able to tell if you smoke by just looking in your mouth.

Does smoking age my face?

How can you make your gums pink again after smoking?

A: The melanin that causes the color of your skin is also present in your gums. The color of your gums depends on the color of your skin and can vary greatly from person to person.

Quitting smoking reduces this pigmentation to normal, healthy gums.

How long should my gums bleed after quitting smoking?

Key Takeaways: Smoking

You know about all the negative effects that smoking has on your body. I hope this article gives you a deeper understanding of the effects that smoking has on your oral health as well.

Quitting smoking may seem like a long and difficult road, but we have seen that the healing process that takes place in just 20 minutes of putting out your last cigarette.

It is the best thing that you can do for yourself and all the people around you.

Stay active, keep busy, and do things you enjoy. One day you will thank yourself!

15 References

Johnson, N. (2001). Tobacco use and oral cancer: a global perspective. Journal of dental education, 65(4), 328-339. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11336118

Borojevic, T. (2012). Smoking and periodontal disease. Materia socio-medica, 24(4), 274. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633395/

Chang, S. A. (2012). Smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes & metabolism journal, 36(6), 399-403. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530709/

Oquaish, T., & Arif, M. (2013). Tell‑tale signs of a chronic smoker. Lung India, 30(1), 79. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644846/

The post Smoking, Teeth, & Gums: 8 Hazards + Best Quitting Strategies appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

from Ask the Dentist https://askthedentist.com/smoking/

#Dentistry #Blog

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ghaw2007 · 7 years ago

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8 Cirrhosis Remedies

1. Regularly Cleanse The Liver

Many ancient populations, including the Chinese, considered the liver to be the most important organ — hence the word “live” in its name. If you haven’t been eating a vegetable-based diet, regularly getting exercise, and making sure to limit your alcohol and toxin exposure — then just like most people, you might be in need of a liver cleanse.

To keep your liver properly filtering toxins from the food, water, and air you come into contact with, here’s a list of some specific foods that can help:

dark green, leafy vegetables

steamed and raw vegetables, or drinking vegetable juices

citrus fruits

sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados (great sources of potassium)

milk thistle seed (tea or extract)

turmeric (spice or tablet)

ginger

superfoods including spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass

probiotic foods and supplements

dandelion root tea

burdock root

black seed oil

fresh squeezed lemon juice

A detoxing tea or dandelion tea

extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil

raw apple cider vinegar

beef liver and other organ meats

And here are foods to avoid that can add stress to your liver:

overeating

overly spicy foods

fried foods

refined carbohydrates, including those containing gluten

sugar

too much caffeine (black tea, coffee, soda)

alcohol

rich, complicated meals (combining too many different food types at once)

2. Eat An Anti-Inflammatory Diet, Focusing On Organic Foods

Just like chronic alcohol abuse can cause fatty liver disease, so can poor dietary choices (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). In fact, a diet high in low-quality saturated fats, fried foods, chemicals and processed foods can raise the risk for liver disease. As a result, high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood are two serious risk factors for liver damage and cirrhosis.

Regularly consuming enough (ideally organic) vegetables and other whole foods is the key to maintaining a healthy liver. It’s important to eat a variety of raw vegetables for the most liver benefits, ideally around 4-5 servings of fresh, organic vegetables every day. If this seems overwhelming, you can try juicing fresh vegetables (just watch the sugar content!). If you already suffer from liver damage of any kind, juicing vegetables to make a homemade detox drink is a great option because it makes the vegetables easier to digest and doesn’t require the production of as much bile.

To put less strain on your liver, limit the saturated fats you eat to only high quality, grass-fed, cage-free or pasture-raised animal products, since conventionally raised (farm raised) animals tend to store the most toxins in their fat. Focus on making your fat sources very high quality ones — things like coconut oil, nuts, seeds and wild seafood. In general, the less foods you eat that come out of a package or box, the better. That’s because “convenience foods” are loaded with chemical preservatives, fillers, synthetic flavors and so on. For example added nitrates are commonly found in packaged meats and are known to tax the liver, as is sugar and hydrogenated oils (trans-fats) found in commercial baked goods.

As often as you can, include these liver-supporting veggies in your meals:

cauliflower

broccoli

leafy greens like kale, spinach, dandelion, watercress

Brussels sprouts or cabbage

celery

asparagus

beets

carrot

cucumber

herbs including parsley, mint, cilantro, basil

Try to purchase organic foods as much as possible. Your liver pays the price for a diet that’s high in chemicals, pesticides and other toxins. For this reason, choosing to buy as many organic foods as you can is important for preventing liver problems and potentially liver disease. Just by focusing on buying organic varieties of the toxin-heavy “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables, you can dramatically lower your intake of toxins. This is a helpful list of the types of produce that are most contaminated with toxins, and those that are the least contaminated.

3. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake, Quit Smoking & Avoid Other Drugs

High alcohol intake is most closely tied to fatty liver disease, which is the build-up of fat in liver cells that causes swelling and cirrhosis. While moderate amounts of alcohol can sometimes be good for you if you’re otherwise healthy, chronic intake of high amounts of alcohol causes damage to many organs, the liver being the most affected. Drinking high amounts of alcohol is one of the fastest ways to damage or destroy liver cells — and alcohol combined with prescription or over-the-counter medications, cigarettes or a poor diet is even more harmful.

Limit your alcohol intake to the “healthy” range for most adults, which is no more than 1-2 drinks daily (or about 30 grams, considered the “safe” amount). If you have any known liver problems, or are someone who can afford to detoxify your system for other reasons, having even less than this is a good idea.

4. Support The Liver With Supplements

Supplements, herbs and spices including turmeric, milk thistle, probiotics and ginger root can help produce proper bile and enzymes, sooth the digestive tract, reduce intestinal gas, and lower inflammation:

Milk Thistle is considered the “king” of detoxifying herbs. It has been used for centuries to help cleanse the liver and eliminate the buildup of heavy metals, prescriptions, pollutants and alcohol.

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that not only aids in digestion, but also helps to restore a healthy blood sugar balance, which supports liver metabolism.

Recent research also suggests that probiotics can be helpful for liver health because intestinal microbiota play an important role in detoxification and metabolic processes. Altered intestinal permeability (also called leaky gut syndrome) might change the way that the liver functions and can make hepatic disorders worse. In the future, health-promoting microbial strains and probiotic foods likely will be recommended to liver disease patients to help lower harmful interactions and restore the body’s immune responses.

Many of the foods or supplements listed above are also great sources of much-needed nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B-6. Potassium-rich foods are especially beneficial because they help to lower systolic blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and reduce triglyceride levels.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Liver disease that’s associated with obesity is now the most prevalent liver disease in Western countries. Obesity can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is related to a dramatically higher risk for developing other liver problems, too, in some cases. Metabolic syndrome is the term for a combination of factors including being overweight and having high blood pressure, high blood sugar, too much fat around the waist, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high triglycerides. These factors all raise the odds of someone suffering from liver damage, not to mention heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Recent research published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests that obese adults have anywhere between 3-15 times the risk for developing liver disease than adults at a healthy weight. (8) That’s because being overweight alters the level of fatty acids and enzymes that your liver produces. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when the rate of fatty acid uptake and synthesis is greater than the rate of fatty acid oxidation and export. This process is called “steatosis” and the result is an excessive amount of triglycerides are produced by the liver. (9)

Steatosis is associated with harmful changes in glucose, fatty acid and lipoprotein metabolism that can all increase fat-storage (adipose tissue), systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and other cardio-metabolic risk factors. To lower your odds of having high triglycerides, make sure to keep the amount of sugar and packaged foods you eat low and focus on a nutrient-dense diet made up of whole foods.

6. Reduce Toxin Exposure In Other Ways

We all come into contact daily with various forms of toxins through the air we breathe, foods we eat and products we use. Do your best to avoid breathing in or touching toxins, especially by limiting the amount of chemical household, cleaning and beauty products you use. Chemicals found in aerosol products, insecticides, synthetic beauty products, and additives in cigarettes all injure liver cells.

7. Check Your Medications

The liver is responsible for sorting through chemicals in your bloodstream. These include those you intentionally ingest from prescription medications, birth control pills, hormone replacement drugs and others. Many experts believe that a large percentage of common medications are over-prescribed today, or taken incorrectly and mixed with the wrong things — including antibiotics and pain killers. If you do take medications regularly, learn about how they can affect your liver. Carefully follow dosing instructions. Ask your doctor to find out if there are any natural remedies that you could use instead.

8. Prevent Infections & Viruses That Can Damage The Liver

Liver diseases including hepatitis A, B and C are caused by viruses that are transmitted from person to person. These can cause the liver to swell up, develop cirrhosis, not work properly and potentially experience failure. They can even lead to liver cancer and be fatal. Most health authorities state that getting proper vaccinations is the best way to prevent hepatitis A and B. There isn’t a vaccine as of now for hepatitis C. In fact, the only way to prevent hepatitis C infection is to avoid exposure to blood carrying the virus through prevention methods. These methods include practicing safe sex, not sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes or personal items, and always washing your hands with soap and warm water immediately after using a bathroom or touching someone’s blood.

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supplementhoundblog · 8 years ago

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10 Best Selenium Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017

Last Updated: Wednesday, April 19, 2017

If you’re looking for the best selenium supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place. You can also get more info by jumping to our Selenium Supplements Guide.

Top 10 Selenium Supplements

#1 Pure Encapsulations Selenium More Info #2 Nature’s Way Selenium More Info #3 NOW Foods Selenium More Info #4 Innate Response Selenium More Info #5 Thorne Research Selenomethionine More Info #6 MegaFood Selenium More Info #7 BlueBonnet Selenium More Info #8 Doctor’s Best Selenium More Info #9 NutraBio Selenium More Info #10 Vital Nutrients Selenium More Info

Selenium Supplements Guide

In order to get the greatest benefits from selenium, you will need to ensure that you have adequate levels in your body. Consuming the right amounts of this nutrient may actually help to prevent the occurrence of certain types of cancer in your body.

So that you can truly understand and appreciate the health benefits that selenium can give you, it is important for you to understand a little bit of the background of this precious health supplement.

What is Selenium?

Selenium is a naturally occurring trace element that is frequently found in soil. The human body requires this nutrient in small quantities so that the person can remain in good health. It is a key part of many of the processes of the body and can be found in almost every cell. Selenium is especially prevalent in the spleen, liver, kidneys, testes and the pancreas.

Benefits of Selenium

This nutrient is actually an antioxidant that helps to combat the free radicals known for damaging the DNA and causing the mutations that can result in cancer. Frequently included with Vitamins E and C, Selenium is known to help fight aging, cancer and heart disease. In addition, it is frequently used to defeat viral infections. Studies suggest that it could even help to slow down the progression of HIV and AIDS. By boosting the function of the liver, Selenium helps to keep people healthy.

Other ways that selenium can help the body include the neutralization of smoke, fats and alcohol. It also helps to maintain the eyes, skin and hair, as well as help fight heart disease.

Selenium is easy to find in many of the foods that are eaten on a daily basis. Most common food items that contain selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, meats and poultry. Brown rice and oats sometimes contain selenium, but this will typically depend on the selenium content of the soils in which the grains were grown. Selenium can also be taken as a supplement in order to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of the nutrient.

Deficiency in selenium doesn’t occur that often because the majority of people are able to get enough of the product in their regular diet. If, however, you were to become deficient in selenium, you would experience excessive fatigue and weakness. If you overdose on selenium, the symptoms are worse and could include nausea, vomiting, depression, nervousness, breath odor and loss of hair and fingernails.

There have been many studies conducted recently on the benefits of selenium for those suffering from cancer. Recently, a five year study was conducted, and it revealed that those who took 200 mcg each day had 58 percent less colorectal cancers, 63 percent less prostate tumors, 46 percent less lung malignancies and a 39 percent decrease in death from cancer. This amazing study was carried out at the University of Arizona and at Cornell University.

Other studies have shown that selenium may be able to help prevent cancers of the esophagus, bladder, rectum, ovaries, pancreas, liver and cervix. Leukemia patients have also been tested on selenium and the results have been quite promising. All of these studies have led to many scientists around the world spending considerable effort on a daily basis on the research related to selenium. One day, this element may be the answer for curing cancer.

Protects the Heart

In addition, selenium has been shown to protect the heart by reducing the risk of blood clots, thereby lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Those who have had a stroke or heart attack, or smokers, are probably the ones who will benefit the most from selenium. This doesn’t mean that anyone won’t be able to enjoy health benefits from the consumption of selenium, however. Taking the supplement on a daily basis will help the average person to stay as healthy as he or she can.

Selenium has been shown to possibly help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts; these two ailments are the primary causes of blindness or impaired vision in the United States. Selenium also helps to convert thyroid hormone into its active form so that it can be used by the cells in the body to function. The element also helps support a healthy immune system by aiding the body in its defense against viruses, cancer cells and harmful bacteria. It also helps to fight the dangerous herpes virus that causes shingles and cold sores. When in taken in combination with Vitamin E, selenium seems to have an anti inflammatory benefit. The two nutrients work in tandem to help lessen the symptoms from psoriasis, lupus, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions.

Recent studies have shown that selenium works very quickly in the body by helping cells to live, grow and die at normal rates, thereby helping to prevent cancer. The ability of the nutrient to fight already cancerous cells is believed to be equally fast acting.

Studies in mice indicate that deficiency in either vitamin E or selenium can cause a dormant virus to become active. This is the reason why selenium is able to combat shingles and cold sores; both of these afflictions are caused by the reactivation of a dormant virus.

Are There Any Side Effects?

One of the harder things about selenium is that, just as it is starting to be discovered that selenium is very helpful to the average user, finding an effective and safe source of the supplement can be difficult. The trick is to find a product that offers a variety of trace minerals but primarily focuses on the selenium. That way, you will be able to get all the amino acids, enzymes, nutrients, vitamins and nutritional support that you need to be as healthy as you can be. Taking this type of product will help you to personally feel all the joys of a strengthened immune system, enhanced cognitive function, sharpened memory, boosted energy, improved digestion, controlled weight and a slowed down, controlled aging process. These are probably all things that you want for yourself, so adding selenium to your diet might be just the thing for you.

The average person is unlikely to suffer from a lack of selenium. However, making sure that you follow the recommended daily dose is important so that you make sure that you don’t accidently overdose. 400 mcg is currently considered the maximum amount that you should take as a supplement form. This amount, in conjunction with the selenium in the food that you eat, will keep you healthy without overdosing you.

Taken at normal dosages, selenium will typically not cause any harmful side effects. As described above, taking too much selenium could cause you to have heart problems, kidney problems, bad breath, fever, vomiting and nausea. If the overdose is large enough, cardiac arrest could ensue, leading to death.

Selenium has been shown to possibly interact with other supplements and medicines, such as birth control pills, cholesterol lowering drugs, niacin, corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs and antacids. Check with your doctor before adding new supplements into your daily regimen. Another factor to be aware of is that selenium supplements have been associated with a risk of skin cancer. If you are at high risk of skin cancer already, you probably don’t need to take selenium. The same applies for men who are at risk of prostate cancer. A recent study conducted by the National Cancer Institute showed that men who already had adequate levels of selenium in their bodies nearly doubled their risk of severe prostate cancer when they took additional selenium supplements.

Diabetics or those who have family members who are diabetics also need to be wary of taking too much selenium. A study indicated that those who took 200 mcg of selenium each day were 50 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who simply stuck to the naturally occurring selenium in their diet.

What to Look for in a Good Selenium Product

When you are looking for a good selenium product, you should try to find a product that contains multiple elements or nutrients. There are a number of quality multi vitamins available that are able to offer you balanced nutritional support. Taking selenium on its own can be dangerous, especially if you already have a naturally high level of selenium in your body due to the foods that you eat.

When trying to find the right selenium product, you should look for companies that have been established for at least a good period of time. If you try to get the product from a brand new company, you could be getting a cheap or contaminated product. New companies tend to take greater risks when it comes to selling a product; older companies know that they have the quality of the brand to uphold and so tend to stick to stricter standards.

Overall, selenium is a great health product. If your doctor agrees that it is a supplement that you need more of in your diet, you should be sure take it just as prescribed. Failure to do so could cause you to suffer from any item in the unpleasant list of side effects described above.

The post 10 Best Selenium Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2016.

from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016 http://supplementhound.com/best-selenium-supplements/

#Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016

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kristinsimmons · 6 years ago

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Smoking, Teeth, & Gums: 8 Hazards + Best Quitting Strategies

You have heard it from your family, friends, and spouses — you need to quit smoking.

It is true that a healthy smile is maintained by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly.

These efforts, however important and necessary, cannot counter the harmful effects of smoking without purposeful intent and steps toward quitting.

I chose to get into dentistry, in large part, after watching the terrible impact of smoking on my friends and family as a teenager and young adult.

I’ll say the same thing I tell them: Your health is worth it. Your mind is worth it. Most of all, you are worth the effort to quit smoking.

What happens when you quit smoking? Benefits + Withdrawal

The human body is resilient and strong if you just give it a chance. In less than a half-hour, your body begins its repair process.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Some symptoms include the following:

Nicotine Cravings

Cravings can be completely sporadic, or they can be stimulated by seeing other people smoking, smelling smoke, or doing an activity that used to accompany smoking (i.e. reading, drinking coffee).

These are called “triggers.”

On the bright side, nicotine cravings from these triggers usually last 15-20 minutes long. It can be very helpful if you can find something to occupy your mind during this time.

Weight Gain

When people are trying to quit, they most often replace cigarettes with food. If this is the case, try choosing a healthy snack that you can take on the go, such as carrots, nuts, or apples.

Depression, Anxiety, Irritability

Smokers are more likely to experience depression than non-smokers. Nicotine binds to certain receptors in your brain that release dopamine, the“feel-good” hormones.

When you stop smoking, less dopamine is released than your body was previously accustomed to, making you feel sad, anxious, and irritable.

8 Effects of Smoking on Oral & Overall Health

1. Increased Risk of Oral Cancer

Over 70,000 chemicals make up tobacco smoke. 7,000 of these chemicals are known carcinogens.

75 to 90% of people who have been diagnosed with oral cancer have been tobacco users.

It has been established that there is a direct causal relationship between cigarette smoking and oral cancer.

2. High Probability of Gum Disease & Bone Loss

The toxic chemicals in smoking weaken your body’s ability to fight infection, leading to gum disease, bone destruction, and eventually tooth loss.

3. Tooth Decay/Cavities

Cavities are caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of proper oral hygiene and eating a diet high in carbohydrates and sugars.

The presence of cavities has also been linked to the usage of nicotine.

Studies have shown that nicotine enhances the growth of this specific bacteria, therefore contributing to tooth decay.

4. Tooth Discoloration and Yellowing

There are two types of staining that can happen to the teeth: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Extrinsic staining results when the outer structure of the tooth gets discolored. This can be caused by coffee, red wine, or other richly pigmented food.

5. Bad Breath

Bad breath can make anyone feel self-conscious. Smoker’s breath, in particular, is extremely obvious.

Smoking dries out your mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. Saliva is needed to wash away all the debris, dead cells, and plaque that regularly accumulate.

Moreover, as we mentioned above, smoking also leads to gum disease. Having deeper gum pockets is a home for food and bacteria that are harder to clean, resulting in bad breath.

6. Leukoplakia (White Patches Inside Mouth)

Coincidentally, another phrase for leukoplakia is “smoker’s keratosis.”

Leukoplakia is a collection of thick, white patches that form on the inside of your mouth. Leukoplakia can occur the borders of your tongue, gum, and inside your cheeks.

7. Poor Healing & Unsuccessful Dental Procedures

As mentioned, smoking can cause gum disease, yellowing of teeth, and tooth decay. If you care about the health and beauty of your smile, you may want to consider certain dental treatments.

The failure rate of implants is significantly higher for those who smoke than those who do not. Failure happens in as many 6.5% to 20% of cases.

For this reason, some dentists will not even place an implant unless you commit to quitting smoking.

8. Other Health Effects of Smoking

Cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Both smoking and diabetes adversely affect the functions of blood glucose. When combined, these effects are multiplied.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the joints of your hands and feet and is caused by genetic and environmental factors.

Studies have shown that heavy cigarette smoking over a prolonged period of time is strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis development.

Birth Defects

Smoking while pregnant is an established risk factor for a wide range of birth defects. This includes premature births, low birth weight, and orofacial anomalies.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), more than 100,000 babies have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, prematurity, and low birth weight due to maternal smoking.

More educational materials should be available and advocated to stop maternal smoking or prevent it from happening in the first place.

Benefits of Quitting

Let’s look at a timeline of how you start to heal after you put out that last cigarette:

20 minutes…

Your heart rate drops to a relatively normal level. This could range from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm).

12-24 hours…

However, within just one day or quitting, your carbon levels return to normal.

2 weeks-3 months…

Your circulation and the functions of your lungs improve. Your risk of a heart attack begins to drop.

1-9 months…

Your breathing improves. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath has decreased.

1 year…

Your risk of coronary heart disease is reduced by 50%. In other words, you have ½ the chance of getting coronary heart disease than a current smoker.

5-15 years…

Your risk of oral cancer, throat cancer, and esophageal cancer are reduced by 50%. Your risk of having a stroke has reduced to the same risk of that of a non-smoker’s.

10 years…

Your risk of lung cancer is half of that of a smoker’s risk. Bladder cancer, laryngeal cancer, and cervical cancer are also cut in half.

15 years…

Your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker (recall that in just one year, it was reduced by half).

Steps to Quitting [Conventional + Natural]

Nicotine is a powerful drug, but the human mind and spirit are stronger.

Quitting is no easy feat, but it is not impossible.

Conventional Remedies for Kicking the Habit

Tobacco cravings can overpower your discipline. Some people are not ready to completely give up smoking and do not want to go through the withdrawal symptoms that we mentioned previously.

If quitting cold turkey is not for you, consider asking your doctor or dentist about certain medications that can help you quit.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT’s)

Skin Patches

Chewing Gum

Lozenge (tablet)

These are all FDA approved and available for over the counter (OTC) purchase. Be mindful of following the exact instructions and let your doctor know if you are experiencing any adverse symptoms.

Non-nicotine Medications

The FDA has also approved medication that contain no nicotine, but reduce nicotine cravings and urges:

Zyban (bupropion)

Chantix (varenicline)

Both these medications interfere with nicotinic receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasure you get from smoking. Both these medications must be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Once again, if you are experiencing any adverse symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your doctor to modify your smoking cessation plan.

Natural Quitting Strategies

There are a few ways you may be able to naturally support your transition away from smoking and other forms of tobacco.

Yoga

An analysis of 10 studies, published in 2014, found that yoga-based “cessation strategies” had a positive effect in helping smokers kick the habit.

If you’re not sure you’re ready to do yoga on your own, look for a class in your area or search for a yoga instructor who offers private sessions.

Acupuncture

A massive study conducted in Hong Kong followed nearly 3,000 smokers through an 8-week course of acupuncture.

Hypnotherapy

A clinical trial conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston tested the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy against hypnotherapy for smoking cessation.

Mindfulness & Meditation

The practice of “mindfulness” is a psychological habit involving a purposeful focus on what is currently happening in the present without judgment.

My S.T.O.P Method for Facing Common Challenges

Stay busy

Tell people

Organize

Perspective

Moreover, telling people you are quitting, and specifically asking them not to smoke around you, can prevent you from having nicotinic urges and relapsing.

For example, “when I feel the need to smoke, I will …” It can be as simple as a phone call to a friend or walking in the park.

How to Correct Dental Damage from Smoking

Your dentist can help you develop a plan for both the cosmetic issues (teeth yellowing, etc.) and the functional issues (periodontal disease, cavities, etc.) that have arisen from your habit.

Be patient with yourself and stay committed to quitting. You can get the results you want.

Maintaining Good Oral Health After Smoking

1. Make an appointment with your dentist

A brighter smile after smoking is not impossible. Make an appointment with your dentist to identify any current issues that have resulted from smoking.

This may include inflammation, gum disease, or tooth decay.

In addition to an assessment of the damage, regular dental visits are important for prevention of future issues, as a teeth cleaning will clear your teeth of hardened plaque/calculus.

2. Teeth Whitening

If the discoloration from smoking makes you feel insecure, ask your dentist about teeth whitening methods.

3. Oral Hygiene Habits

Keeping up with your oral hygiene at home regularly is necessary for improvement. Whether you are a smoker or non-smoker, always be sure to:

Floss at least once a day, making sure to wrap the floss in a C-shape along the gum line

Brush at least twice a day

Scrape your tongue after your morning brushing session

Try tongue scraping to rid your tongue of buildup of bacteria

Practice oil pulling, especially if your gum bleed regularly

Chew oral probiotics to help restore proper balance of your oral microbiome

Is vaping, chewing tobacco, or smoking marijuana healthier than cigarettes?

The short answer is no. To explain why, let’s break each of these down.

Vaping

Many people, particularly teens and young adults, have switched to vaping with the advent of e-cigarettes.

The issue is that e-cigarettes are being marketed as a “healthier alternative” to smoking, which has become a public health problem.

Chewing Tobacco

Chewing tobacco, or smokeless tobacco, is especially dangerous. It is a pouch that is placed in between your gums and teeth or in the cheek.

As mentioned previously, chewing tobacco is also associated with high rates of leukoplakia. Advertising something as “smokeless” just as deceiving as it is harmful.

Vaping/Smoking Marijuana

Smoking weed is not good for your teeth. It dries your mouth, which prevents saliva from doing its job of cleaning the debris and plaque present in your mouth.

THC is the main psychotropic agent in marijuana, which increases your appetite for foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, AKA “munchies.”

The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that people who smoke marijuana regularly have a much higher number of cavities than people who do not smoke marijuana.

If marijuana is illegal in your area and/or you’re most concerned about addressing anxiety, consider CBD oil as an alternative.

A Brief History of Smoking

Tobacco has been grown and cultivated for hundreds of years. When the Europeans arrived in the early 16th century, the consumption and trading of tobacco quickly spread.

There is a very educational timeline of tobacco and its uses in different parts of the country by the World Health Organization.

Eliminating Secondhand Smoke

When you make the decision to smoke, it is a choice that you made for yourself. However, it is also a choice that you made for other people through second-hand smoking.

If you have not yet made the decision to quit, keep in mind the people around you that are potentially being harmed by your decisions.

FAQs on Smoking and Dental Health

Will my dentist know if I smoke?

A: Even if you chew gum and shower your body in perfume or cologne, your dentist will be able to tell if you smoke by just looking in your mouth.

Does smoking age my face?

How can you make your gums pink again after smoking?

A: The melanin that causes the color of your skin is also present in your gums. The color of your gums depends on the color of your skin and can vary greatly from person to person.

Quitting smoking reduces this pigmentation to normal, healthy gums.

How long should my gums bleed after quitting smoking?

Key Takeaways: Smoking

You know about all the negative effects that smoking has on your body. I hope this article gives you a deeper understanding of the effects that smoking has on your oral health as well.

Quitting smoking may seem like a long and difficult road, but we have seen that the healing process that takes place in just 20 minutes of putting out your last cigarette.

It is the best thing that you can do for yourself and all the people around you.

Stay active, keep busy, and do things you enjoy. One day you will thank yourself!

15 References

Johnson, N. (2001). Tobacco use and oral cancer: a global perspective. Journal of dental education, 65(4), 328-339. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11336118

Borojevic, T. (2012). Smoking and periodontal disease. Materia socio-medica, 24(4), 274. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633395/

Chang, S. A. (2012). Smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes & metabolism journal, 36(6), 399-403. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530709/

Oquaish, T., & Arif, M. (2013). Tell‑tale signs of a chronic smoker. Lung India, 30(1), 79. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644846/

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