By Dr. Amrita Gogia -&nbsp;
Smoking, a recognized risk factor for countless diseases across the body, has detrimental effects on oral health as well. Although we largely understand the relationship between smoking and oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer, the specifics of smoking's impacts are befuddling and include an important variable: bacteria in the mouth.&nbsp;
<h2>Smoking's Attack on the Oral Cavity</h2>
Smoking has a complex and multifaceted effect on oral health as it increases the risk for multiple oral diseases, including:
* Gum disease (Periodontitis): Smoking is an independent risk factor for the onset, extent and severity of periodontitis, a type of gum disease that affects the soft tissue and bone related to teeth. Smokers have a higher risk of developing periodontitis, experience a higher extent and severity of periodontitis than non-smokers, and periodontitis is more likely to develop more rapidly. Additionally, smoking can negatively affect the successful treatment of gum disease
* Tooth loss: Periodontitis can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Smokers lose teeth at a higher rate than non-smokers.
* Oral cancer: Smoking is a significant risk factor for oral cancer, including cancers of the lip, tongue, cheek, floor of the mouth, and throat. The risk for oral cancer increases as the duration and intensity of smoking increase.
&bull; Increased risk of delayed wound healing: Smoking can inhibit the body's healing process after dental treatment, resulting in a longer healing time for the oral tissue following treatment, like a tooth removal or gum surgery.
* Other oral health complications: Smoking can also result in staining and discoloration of teeth, halitosis (bad breath), and lower saliva production (dry mouth), which further contribute to oral discomfort and disease.
<h2>The Oral Microbiome: A Complex and Fragile Ecosystem Disturbed by Smoking</h2>
The oral cavity contains a diverse community of microorganisms, which is referred to as the oral microbiome. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. This microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microbes that is important for maintaining oral health, assisting in digestion, and protecting against pathogens. However, smoking disrupts the delicate balance of the oral microbiome that favours the growth of harmful bacteria.
<h2>Smoking modifies the oral microbiome in several ways:</h2>
* Bacterial Composition Changes: Smoking promotes the growth of harmful bacteria associated with gum disease, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Treponema denticola.
&bull;Biofilm Development: Smoking helps biofilms, or plaque, develop on teeth and gums. It help the bacteria grow and make it more difficult to remove them through proper brushing and flossing.
* Decreased Oxygen: Smoking decreases the oxygen levels in the mouth, which creates an anaerobic environment that will favour the growth of certain bacteria implicated in periodontitis.
* Immune Response Reduction: Smoking depresses the immune response that would help the body fight off the bacterial infection in the mouth.
* Smoking can also increase the acidity of saliva, further contributing to imbalances in the mouth and growth of bacteria.
<h2>Problems Associated with Oral Health: The Link to Systemic Diseases.</h2>
The oral cavity is not separate from our body. The oral cavity is associated with various systemic diseases, and many issues associated with oral health are due to infectious gum disease. Infections and inflammatory molecules in the body can enter the systemic circulation and influence systemic diseases, including but not limited to the following:
* Cardiovascular disease: Association with an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and other complications associated with cardiovascular disease. This may be due to the inflammatory sequence of infection (via oral bacteria) that can lead to damage of blood vessels, blood flow, and promote blood clots.
* Respiratory infections: Oral bacteria can also be dangerous if they can reach the lungs. For example, this can lead to aspiration pneumonia and bronchitis, especially if the immune system is compromised.
* Diabetes: gum disease (infection or systemic disease) can affect blood sugar management in individuals with diabetes. Conversely, diabetes can exacerbate existing gum disease.
* Pregnancy complications: Studies have also associated gum disease with preterm birth and low birth weight.
* Other systemic disease: There is new research on oral bacteria contributing to other systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and certain cancers.
<h2>Your Oral Health and Wellness: Quitting Tobacco and Practicing Good Oral Hygiene&nbsp;</h2>
The safest and healthiest way to protect your oral health is to quit using tobacco. Quitting the use of tobacco can decrease the risk for oral disease and can improve overall health outcomes. Quitting tobacco should first be considered; second, making sure you practice good oral hygiene is also very important:
* Brush your teeth at least two times daily using fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss at least once daily to reduce plaque and food debris from between your teeth.
* Visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings regularly.
* Using an antimicrobial mouthwash may help to control oral bacteria as well.&nbsp;
Your dentist can provide you with individualized recommendations and suggestions so that you may achieve oral health that is optimal for you!
Dr. Amrita Gogia is the Associate Director &amp; HOD of Dentistry at Medanta, Gurugram, holding a Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.) and a B.D.S. Her expertise and leadership drive excellence in dental care.

By Dr. Amrita Gogia - Smoking, a recognized risk factor for countless diseases across the body, has detrimental effects on oral health as well. Although we largely understand the relationship between smoking and oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer, the specifics of smoking's impacts are befuddling and include an important variable: bacteria in the mouth.

By Dr. Amrita Gogia - Smoking, a recognized risk factor for countless diseases across the body, has detrimental effects on oral health as well. Although we largely understand the relationship between smoking and oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer, the specifics of smoking's impacts are befuddling and include an important variable: bacteria in the mouth. Smoking's Attack on the Oral Cavity Smoking has a complex and multifaceted effect on oral health as it increases the risk for multiple oral diseases, including: * Gum disease (Periodontitis): Smoking is an independent risk factor for the onset, extent and severity of periodontitis, a type of gum disease that affects the soft tissue and bone related to teeth. Smokers have a higher risk of developing periodontitis, experience a higher extent and severity of periodontitis than non-smokers, and periodontitis is more likely to develop more rapidly. Additionally, smoking can negatively affect the successful treatment of gum disease * Tooth loss: Periodontitis can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Smokers lose teeth at a higher rate than non-smokers. * Oral cancer: Smoking is a significant risk factor for oral cancer, including cancers of the lip, tongue, cheek, floor of the mouth, and throat. The risk for oral cancer increases as the duration and intensity of smoking increase. • Increased risk of delayed wound healing: Smoking can inhibit the body's healing process after dental treatment, resulting in a longer healing time for the oral tissue following treatment, like a tooth removal or gum surgery. * Other oral health complications: Smoking can also result in staining and discoloration of teeth, halitosis (bad breath), and lower saliva production (dry mouth), which further contribute to oral discomfort and disease. The Oral Microbiome: A Complex and Fragile Ecosystem Disturbed by Smoking The oral cavity contains a diverse community of microorganisms, which is referred to as the oral microbiome. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. This microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microbes that is important for maintaining oral health, assisting in digestion, and protecting against pathogens. However, smoking disrupts the delicate balance of the oral microbiome that favours the growth of harmful bacteria. Smoking modifies the oral microbiome in several ways: * Bacterial Composition Changes: Smoking promotes the growth of harmful bacteria associated with gum disease, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Treponema denticola. •Biofilm Development: Smoking helps biofilms, or plaque, develop on teeth and gums. It help the bacteria grow and make it more difficult to remove them through proper brushing and flossing. * Decreased Oxygen: Smoking decreases the oxygen levels in the mouth, which creates an anaerobic environment that will favour the growth of certain bacteria implicated in periodontitis. * Immune Response Reduction: Smoking depresses the immune response that would help the body fight off the bacterial infection in the mouth. * Smoking can also increase the acidity of saliva, further contributing to imbalances in the mouth and growth of bacteria. Problems Associated with Oral Health: The Link to Systemic Diseases. The oral cavity is not separate from our body. The oral cavity is associated with various systemic diseases, and many issues associated with oral health are due to infectious gum disease. Infections and inflammatory molecules in the body can enter the systemic circulation and influence systemic diseases, including but not limited to the following: * Cardiovascular disease: Association with an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and other complications associated with cardiovascular disease. This may be due to the inflammatory sequence of infection (via oral bacteria) that can lead to damage of blood vessels, blood flow, and promote blood clots. * Respiratory infections: Oral bacteria can also be dangerous if they can reach the lungs. For example, this can lead to aspiration pneumonia and bronchitis, especially if the immune system is compromised. * Diabetes: gum disease (infection or systemic disease) can affect blood sugar management in individuals with diabetes. Conversely, diabetes can exacerbate existing gum disease. * Pregnancy complications: Studies have also associated gum disease with preterm birth and low birth weight. * Other systemic disease: There is new research on oral bacteria contributing to other systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and certain cancers. Your Oral Health and Wellness: Quitting Tobacco and Practicing Good Oral Hygiene The safest and healthiest way to protect your oral health is to quit using tobacco. Quitting the use of tobacco can decrease the risk for oral disease and can improve overall health outcomes. Quitting tobacco should first be considered; second, making sure you practice good oral hygiene is also very important: * Brush your teeth at least two times daily using fluoride toothpaste. * Floss at least once daily to reduce plaque and food debris from between your teeth. * Visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings regularly. * Using an antimicrobial mouthwash may help to control oral bacteria as well. Your dentist can provide you with individualized recommendations and suggestions so that you may achieve oral health that is optimal for you! Dr. Amrita Gogia is the Associate Director & HOD of Dentistry at Medanta, Gurugram, holding a Master of Dental Surgery (M.D.S.) and a B.D.S. Her expertise and leadership drive excellence in dental care.

How smoking and oral health lead to health risk: Is mouth bacteria a key factor?

World Oral Health Day 2023:&nbsp;Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel.

Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled&nbsp;The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health?&nbsp;suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health!&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-fitness-coach-shares-tips-to-combat-obesity-and-aid-weight-loss-571827">Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss</a>

Speaking exclusively to WION,&nbsp;Dr Pratibha Mahajan,&nbsp;Oral &amp; Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following:

<ol>
	<li>All types of food affect dental health.&nbsp;Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws.</li>
	<li>Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them&nbsp;in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their&nbsp;antioxidant-rich nature.</li>
	<li>"How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay.&nbsp;Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided.</li>
</ol>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-debunked-eye-doctor-talks-about-5-common-glaucoma-myths-570858">Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths</a>

"Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan.

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World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health.

World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health? suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health! Also read: Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Pratibha Mahajan, Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following: All types of food affect dental health. Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws. Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their antioxidant-rich nature. "How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay. Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided. Also read: Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits

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