{"id":43,"date":"2019-07-14T18:12:36","date_gmt":"2019-07-14T18:12:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=43"},"modified":"2019-07-26T18:12:48","modified_gmt":"2019-07-26T18:12:48","slug":"smoking-root-canal-in-astoria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edfamilydental.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/14\/smoking-root-canal-in-astoria\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Smoking Might Lead to a Root Canal in Astoria"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HoldingEveryone knows that smoking can have dire effects on your heart and lungs, but did you know your teeth could be at risk as well? According to one study, men who smoke or used to smoke are much more likely to need dental surgery than men who have never smoked. What sort of effect could cigarettes be having on your teeth? Learn why this habit might ultimately lead to a root canal<\/a> in Astoria.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Why is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?<\/h2>\n

Usually, root canals are needed when there\u2019s an infection in the tooth\u2019s pulp. If bacteria on the teeth aren\u2019t removed through daily brushing and other good oral hygiene habits, over time they can penetrate the enamel and cause cavities. Left untreated, the bacteria will eventually reach the pulp. This can result in a lot of pain, and if too much damage is done, the tooth will need to be extracted.<\/p>\n

To give the patient the best chance of preserving their tooth, a dentist in Astoria can use root canal therapy to remove the pulp and stop the infection from spreading. Afterwards, you\u2019ll likely need a crown or other form of restoration to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure.<\/p>\n

How Can Smoking Increase the Risk of Needing a Root Canal?<\/h2>\n

Smoking disrupts the body\u2019s blood flow and is associated with depressed oxygen levels, making it generally more difficult to fight infections. As such, using cigarettes could leave the entire mouth vulnerable to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. The more likely these problems are to occur, the more likely it is you\u2019ll need root canal therapy in the future.<\/p>\n

If I\u2019m a Smoker, How Can I Protect My Teeth?<\/h2>\n

The risk of oral infection increases the longer you use cigarettes. However, the opposite is also true; you\u2019re less likely to need a root canal the longer you haven\u2019t smoked. Obviously, the best solution is to quit smoking altogether; start researching smoking cessation programs and medications that can help you transition into a healthier lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Of course, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease will never fully go away. Here are a few more tips for protecting your smile:<\/p>\n