Secondhand Smoke Increases Risks of Gum Disease

Quick Summary

Exposure to secondhand smoke is linked with an increased risk of developing gum disease, even if you don’t smoke yourself. Periodontal disease progresses through five distinct stages based on pocket depth and bone loss, and minimizing exposure to tobacco smoke can help protect your gum health.

Key Takeaways

• If you live or work around smokers, let your dentist know during your exam so they can monitor your gum health more closely.
• Ask your periodontist to measure your pocket depths and explain which of the five stages of gum disease applies to you.
• Reducing your exposure to secondhand smoke may lower your risk of developing or worsening periodontal disease.
• Schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation if you notice bleeding gums, swelling, or other changes, especially if you are regularly exposed to tobacco smoke.

By now, it may be common knowledge that being in the presence of someone smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of health conditions like cancer, but did you know that secondhand smoke can even threaten your oral health? Researchers have found that exposure to secondhand smoke for several hours a day can actually double the individual’s risk of gum disease, according to a study in the American Journal of Public Health.

The study conducted by University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill evaluated data from a previous study that included at least 2,379 adults between the ages of 53 and 74. The data showed that those exposed to tobacco smoke for several hours a day faced double the risk of developing gum disease, and those who were exposed to tobacco smoke for no more than 25 hours per week faced a 29 percent increased risk of developing the disease.

In order to combat the risks of periodontal disease regardless of exposure to cigarettes, the American Dental Association suggests that people of all ages schedule regular periodontal exams and checkups each year.

The warning signs of gum disease include:

• Sensitive, tender, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Chronic bad taste or breath
• Teeth that feel loose
• Change in your bite

Fight Gum Recession with Advanced Periodontal Care

Regardless of how far the disease has progressed, it is possible to reduce the effects and prevent periodontal disease from worsening. In mild cases of the disease, it is actually possible to eliminate it altogether. The first step is to seek treatment from a board-certified periodontist at the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy in Beverly Hills. Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky have extensive training and experience diagnosing and treating various stages of gum disease.

Treatment including periodontal scaling and root planing will remove the bacteria causing gum disease in order to halt the progression. By doing so, the active degradation of both gum and tooth health can be prevented from worsening until the point of tooth and bone loss. Once gum disease has been treated, the process of restoration can begin, which may include bone grafting, dental implants, and the cutting-edge RejuvaGum Lift, which restores recessed gums.

Schedule a Consultation with a Certified Periodontist

If you are exposed to cigarette smoke on a regular basis or simply notice the symptoms of gum disease, do not wait to get a thorough screening and treatment for oral health concerns.  Contact the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy to receive the best treatment available in Los Angeles. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are expert periodontists and will create an effective treatment plan based on your specific needs. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 310.504.1845.

Next, read Is Gum Disease Linked to Alzheimer’s in Older Adults?

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