Dental Did You Know

CDC: Cigarette Smoking Continues Decline, Prevalence of Other Tobacco Use Stable

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking has declined over the past five years but other forms of tobacco use have not.  The CDC reported that 21.3 percent (one out of five) of U.S. adults use tobacco products "every day" or "some days".  That statistic was increased to 25.2 percent (one out of four) when including the modifier "rarely".  The data was reported from the 2012-2013 National Adult Tobacco Survey.

The "every day" or "some day" cigarette smoking was 18 percent, down from 19.5 percent that was reported during the 2009-2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey. 

That being said, the CDC reported no change in the use of other tobacco products.  The statistics were as follows: cigars, 2 percent; regular pipes, 0.3 percent; hookahs/water pipes, 0.5 percent; e-cigarettes, 1.9 percent; smokeless tobacco, 2.6 percent. 

January 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the first Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health that reported an overwhelming majority of deaths caused by tobacco are due to cigarettes and other combusted products. The decline of adult cigarette use is promising but the continuity of other tobacco products is still a cause for concern.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6325a3.htm?s_cid=mm6325a3_w

R. Eric Emery, DDS

Morgan A. Emery, DDS

Smile Station Dental

2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400

St. Louis, MO 63122

(314)821-7100

smilestationdental.com

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Dental Did You Know

Water Fluoridation

I have previously posted on the importance of water fluoridation for adults and kids here and here but the benefits expand beyond good oral health.  The infographic below outlines the financial benefits of water fluoridation as well as the health benefits.

R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
 Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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News You Can Use

Chewing Ice

One of the most common habits that people do without even realizing it is chewing ice, especially during the warm summer months.  While it may seem harmless, chewing ice can be very detrimental to your teeth and overall oral health. 

Chewing ice can wear down tooth enamel, or the hard outer layer on teeth.  Once tooth enamel is worn down, it cannot be replaced and leaves teeth open to fracture or decay.  Additionally, chewing ice may increase the risk of having issues with restorations such as fillings.  The exposure to variations of hot and cold temperatures in the mouth cause the filling to expand and contract which may damage it and/or shorten the lifespan of the filling. The action of chewing ice may also damage gums as ice may have sharp edges that puncture or scratch. 

There are several healthier alternatives to chewing ice depending on the chewer's reasons for chewing ice.  If the chewer is seeking refreshment, smaller ice slivers are recommended whereas if the crunch is what the chewer seeks, replacing ice with apples or carrots may help. 

If a patient has a hard time not chewing ice or craves it, he/she should inform their dentist as this may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.


Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2006/article/ADA-07-Chew-On-This.cvsp


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!