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.
For years, Rebecca struggled with daily headaches and jaw clenching caused by TMJ disorder. Like many of our patients, she had tried countless remedies with little relief—until she discovered the therapeutic benefits of Botox.
Read MoreLosing a tooth is a childhood rite of passage. Not only is it a huge milestone for kids, but it’s also a big deal for parents, too. It’s one more sign that your child is growing up before your eyes. Despite the excitement, the loose and wiggly tooth stage often prompts many questions from parents. Although some anxiety is totally normal, there’s no reason to be scared about the normal process of losing baby teeth and making way for new permanent teeth. In this article, we’ll answer the top questions we hear in our office and give you some helpful tips, so you can help your child say bye-bye to baby teeth with confidence.
Read MoreDid you know your smile can betray you? That’s right, no matter how much undereye concealer you wear or coffee you drink, your smile tells a lot more than you probably realize about your sleep habits. A simple dental exam can give your dentist a few important clues about what your nightly rest routine looks like. That’s because common challenges that get in the way of a great night’s sleep often show up on your teeth. For example, snoring, grinding, jaw pain, and issues related to dry mouth all paint a picture of your sleep health and how to improve it. Sleep issues are more common than you think. By noticing and addressing telltale signs, your dentist can help put you on the path toward a healthier smile and better rest. Let’s take a closer look at what your smile might be saying about your sleep, why it matters, and how your dentist can help.
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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