Smoking Linked to Root Canal

It is a well-known fact that smoking can lead to various health issues like heart disease, lung cancer and oral cancer. Now, there is clear evidence that it can also create dental problems that necessitate a root canal. For nearly three decades, a study was conducted which analyzed the oral health of a group of aging men. The purpose was to determine whether or not there was a link between smoking and the need for a root canal. The results clearly indicated that there is a connection between the two.

The investigation factored in several different elements such as a man's pre-existing crowns or cavities, signs of bone loss and any oral infections. Additionally, the researchers accounted for the age of each man and the number of years that he had been smoking. They discovered that the male smokers were two times more likely to need to see a restorative dentistry specialist for a root canal than non-smokers. This conclusion was based on the presence of cavities, tarter, gum disease and tooth mobility, because all of these issues can be triggered and escalated by smoking.

Since the length of time that a man continues to smoke has a major impact on their oral health, the sooner they quit, the better. Once individuals do quit, the need to see a general dentistry expert for a root canal should gradually diminish. Although this study did not include women, they should take heed and give serious consideration to giving up the smoking habit.

Source: Dentist Los Angeles
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