VAPING IS AS HARMFUL AS SMOKINGWhile e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) are marketed as a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, the chemicals in e-cigarette vapors have been found to be just as damaging (sometimes more damaging) as tobacco to gums. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 16% of high school students reported using the devices in 2015, up from only 1.5% in 2011. While e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, they do include nicotine and other chemicals such as flavoring agents. These battery-operated devices house a heating element that vaporizes the liquid in the cartridge, producing a vapor that is inhaled. “Vaping” was found to kill cells in the gums and mouth after just a few days, with menthol-flavored vapor posing the most harm.
Since smoking either tobacco products or e-cigarettes destroys the defensive barrier in the mouth that staves off infection and inflammation, gum disease and oral cancer are more likely to develop.
Nicotine reduces the amount of blood that can flow through your veins. Without sufficient blood flow, the gums do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Nicotine chokes tissues in the mouth from the blood it needs to survive, causing death of the gum tissues. We do our best to ensure our patients can get the gum disease care they need in one convenient location. To schedule a consultation, please call your Williamsburg dentist, NORGE DENTAL CENTER at 757-564-0804 or click here.
Summer brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, whether you are shopping at a local farmers market, grilling with family, or spending the day outdoors. While most people know that brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are important, many do not realize that certain foods can also support good oral health.At Norge Dental Center, we believe healthy habits start with everyday choices. Adding nutrient rich fruits and vegetables to your diet can help support healthy teeth and gums while giving your body the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Read MoreFor a long time, dental health was treated like it lived on an island, completely separate from the rest of our physical health. We used to think that what happened in the mouth stayed in the mouth, but modern medicine has completely flipped that script.Today, we know that your oral health is actually a major window into your overall well-being. When you take care of your teeth and gums, you are doing so much more than just keeping your breath fresh and your smile bright for photos. You are actively protecting your heart, your brain, and your immune system.The connection between your mouth and the rest of your body comes down to a single, powerful concept: systemic inflammation.
Read MoreLet’s be completely honest for a second. Around here, coffee isn’t just a morning beverage—it’s a lifestyle. If you’ve walked into Norge Dental Center early in the morning, you’ve probably smelled it brewing, and you’ve definitely seen our team clutching our favorite mugs like they hold the secrets to the universe.We love coffee. We need coffee.But as much as we worship the bean, we also worship a healthy smile. And unfortunately, some of the most common daily coffee habits are secretly wrecking your teeth.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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