November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and nothing encourages lifetime health better than knowing the dangers of tobacco use.  While it’s important to recognize that not all patients battling lung cancer are tobacco users, smoking is the leading risk factor for developing lung cancer.  Additionally, smoking is not only harmful to your lungs, it can also cause extensive damage in your mouth.

Smoking often leads to several unwanted health and dental consequences including raising the risk of periodontal (gum) disease, discoloration of the teeth and oral cancer.  In fact, oral cancer is six times more common in people who smoke.  These scary realities of tobacco use make scheduling and keeping regular appointments at my Little Falls, NJ dental office even more important.

Here at Gregory S. Liss, DDS, we offer exceptional care for lifetime health.  Smoker or not, we believe in conducting thorough oral cancer screenings at every comprehensive exam to ensure a healthy mouth.  We also screen for periodontal disease which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.  Additionally, the bacteria that cause gum disease have been linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, strokes, diabetic concerns and even cancer.

Smoking can also cause unwanted discoloration of your teeth.  We can help with that, too.  We offer a simple, quick, safe and effective in-office smile whitening treatment that will leave your teeth bright, white and dazzling in just about an hour!  If you prefer to whiten at your convenience, we also have Opalescence take-home whitening trays that when worn for 20 minutes a day for a week will make your pearly whites even whiter.

During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and every month, it’s important to become educated on the dangers of tobacco use and also reflect on the dental damage smoking can cause.  Call my Little Falls dental office today at 973-256-5001 and have us treat you to a lifetime of health.