Originally published July 31 2005
Quitting smoking could increase the time your teeth stay in your head, study says
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
According to Science Daily, a University of Newcastle upon Tyne study showed that chronic tooth decay and gum disease problems were reduced in subjects who quit smoking, over those who continued to do so.
Dental researchers at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, observed a group of cigarette smokers with chronic gum disease over one year and found some symptoms were more likely to improve in the people who quit during the study period.
Chronic gum disease, which is characterised by inflamed gums that increasingly recede from the teeth, can lead to tooth loss in its advanced stages if preventive action is not taken.
The researchers' findings, revealed today in the academic publication, the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, therefore provide yet another reason for the 12 million UK adult smokers (just over one-quarter of the adult population) and smokers worldwide to quit their habit for the good of their health.
One-fifth of the patients quit smoking, and in those patients, gum health was significantly improved compared to those who continued to smoke over the 12 months.
The progression of chronic gum disease can often be prevented by a good, daily oral health routine, together with preventive care by a dentist and dental hygienist.
Dr Philip Preshaw, a clinical lecturer in periodontology (the specialist's term for gum disease) with Newcastle University's School of Dental Sciences, led the research.
The UK Government's Department of Health has promoted the idea of smoking cessation counselling by dentists, and dental students at Newcastle University are now taught how to counsel patients on this issue as part of their degree.
Professor Raman Bedi, the Government's Chief Dental Officer, welcomed this research, stating: "Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for periodontitis, which affects the support structures of the tooth and is an important cause of tooth loss.
On 31 May 2005 the UK hosted the launch of the World Health Organisation World No Tobacco Day, and its theme focused upon how to engage health professionals at every level in tobacco control.
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