Cigarette smoking among adults in the U.S. hit an all-time low of 14% in 2017, down from 42.4% in 1965. Unfortunately, this still means that tens of millions of Americans are placing themselves at risk for developing lung cancer, heart disease, and dozens of other diseases and illnesses that are caused by smoking.

Cigarette smoke not only impacts your heart and lungs, but it also adversely affects smokers’ oral health, damaging the teeth, gums, and tongue.

In addition to cigarettes, vaping using electronic cigarette devices (usually called e-cigarettes) has risen in popularity among younger generations, and although it’s generally considered “safer,” smoke is still introduced into the body and with it a number of other chemicals and inhalants.

Learn about the short and long-term effects of smoking and how it impacts your oral health. (more…)

Thrush, also known as candidiasis or moniliasis, is a fungal infection in the mouth that’s characterized by the rapid reproduction of yeast. While it’s far more prevalent in babies, adults and the elderly may also develop this condition.

Oral thrush may begin as nothing more than a few white sores on the tongue and cheek, but it can quickly spread throughout the mouth if not properly treated.

In severe cases, the white bumps associated with this condition can make it difficult for individuals to chew, swallow, or brush their teeth. Any pressure placed against these bumps may create signals of pain. When a person stops brushing his or her teeth due to the presence of painful thrush bumps, the condition may become progressively worse. (more…)