This article, part 3 of 5, explores the top bad lifestyle choices that could be increasing

your vulnerability to tooth decay and gum disease. The health of our teeth and gums – and in turn, the quality of our smiles – is determined to a large degree by our lifestyle choices, says this dual-degreed oral surgeon in Chicago. There are more factors we can help than those we can’t when it comes to the longevity of our beautiful and healthy smiles. In this, the third installment of a five-part blog series on the top habits that could be wrecking your teeth and increasing your vulnerability to tooth decay and gum disease, this oral surgeon in Chicago will be taking us through some of these bad lifestyle choices. The first, you should know all about… Oral Surgeon in Chicago Advises: Bad Habit # 6 ~ Tobacco-Use There is absolutely nothing new this oral surgeon in Chicago Loop could tell you about the use of tobacco and its detrimental effects upon our general and oral health. Quitting cigarette-smoking is exceptionally hard for many; if it were easy, no doubt far more people would be ex-smokers! However, there comes a time in people’s lives when you need to face the reality of your situation. And that is that if you don’t stop smoking now, you will be putting yourself at an increased risk of developing a whole host of nasty oral and general ailments, illnesses and diseases. Over half of the denture-wearers this oral surgeon in Chicago Loop sees either are or were smokers. Here are the facts straight from this dual degreed oral surgeon in Chicago…

1. Smoking stains the enamel of the teeth, making it easier for bacteria to establish a foothold,

2. Smoking slows blood circulation, thus impeding the delivery of nutrients to the teeth and gums. This in turn makes it difficult for your body to fight off gum infection and disease.

3. Smoking, says the oral surgeon in Chicago Loop, has been scientifically shown to cause oral cancer, periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss.

Oral Surgeon in Chicago Advises: Bad Habit # 7 ~ Frequent Whitening An obsession with smile aesthetics could prove to be a positive thing, says the oral surgeon in Chicago, especially if it compels patients to brush and floss more often! However, when patients instead opt to undergo frequent teeth whitening in pursuit of that celebrity smile, this can cause some serious problems, including tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. For this reason, this dual-degreed oral surgeon in Chicago Loop always recommends that patients undergo cosmetic procedures through professional channels. That way, the frequency of tooth whitening can be monitored by a qualified healthcare specialist. Oral Surgeon in Chicago Loop Advises: Bad Habit # 8 ~ Purging Eating disorders are a serious psychological problem that have a myriad of terrible implications for one’s general and oral health, says this oral surgeon in Chicago Loop. In addition to a lack of proper nutrition, regular exposure to stomach acid caused by purging in bulimics erodes the enamel of the teeth, leaving the softer dentine exposed. In most cases, this oral surgeon in Chicago says, patients should seek psychological assistance and support before a dental intervention can be of any help. Stay tuned for our next installment, part 4 of 5, on the Top Bad Habits that could be wrecking your teeth and ruining your smile…