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.
Halloween is just around the corner, and the celebrations have already begun. From fall festivals and trunk-or-treats to school parties and more, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your amazing costume—and of course, load up on candy! 🎃🍬 For kids, trick-or-treating is the ultimate Halloween thrill, but for parents, all those sweets pose a challenge. Balancing the fun and dental health can be tricky. With a few proactive steps though, it’s totally doable. Here are five simple tips to keep Halloween happy—without letting it get too scary for your teeth.
Read MoreHave you heard? September is National Gum Care Month, which means now is as great a time as any to brush up on your gum care routine. When you think about a healthy smile, you probably think of your teeth. It turns out, however, that your gums are just as important. In this guide, we’ll dive into why gum health matters, how to stay on top of it, and what to do if you have a gum issue.
Read MoreAh, hormones. They don’t really get the best rap, do they? Just the word calls to mind moodiness, acne, postpartum depression, and night sweats. But did you know that hormones also affect your mouth, too? Yep, that’s right—even your teeth aren’t immune from the impact of hormones on your body. Luckily, with a little foresight and extra love, your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because Aunt Flow came to town. Read on to see how your mouth and your hormones are connected, which hormonal triggers to watch out for, and what to do to keep smiling, no matter your age or stage of life.
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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