When it comes to the effects of smoking, most people think it mainly causes diseases. But the truth is, the initial damage smoking can cause begins in the mouth. Cigarette or tobacco smoking can affect your oral health in many different ways. This health issue shouldn’t be ignored, particularly when it’s teenagers doing it.

Why Do Teen’s Smoke?
There are several reasons that influence adolescents to smoke. These include the pressure to show independence or defiance, the belief that smoking is ‘cool’, smoking ads in pop culture and having guardians or parents who also smoke.

Teenagers in middle and high school often experience a form of peer pressure. In this stage, they’re trying desperately to fit in, be cool or be liked by their group of friend. Cigarette smoking is one of the many things teenagers will do during this formative phase.

It is important that they get all the help they need to steer peer pressure early on in their years. The way they respond to peer pressure will determine whether they only do smoking only to fit into the social group.

Effect of Smoking to Their Oral HealthSmoking has a huge effect on the jawbone, gums, mouth tissues and teeth. Since adolescents are still considered young, it can possibly affect their oral health in a more detrimental way. Below are some of the negative effects of smoking to their oral health:

1. Tooth decay. Smoking contributes to the dental plaque residing in their mouth. When the plaque multiplies, it becomes more difficult to get rid of them. This leads to dental tartar and tooth decay.
2. Tooth stains. Smoking causes tooth stains and discoloration. Although these discolorations can be removed through tooth whitening procedures and veneers.
3. Bad breath. Smoking can cause dry mouth due to tar and nicotine settling in the mouth. This condition is called ‘smoker’s breath’.
4. Gum disease. Tobacco can interfere with the gum tissue cells’ functions. Such damage that they cause separate the gums from the bone, leaving them susceptible to infection.
   

How to Prevent Teen Smoking
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, in order to reduce pain, disability, and death caused by nicotine addiction, recommends routine screening for tobacco use, treating tobacco dependence, preventing tobacco use among children and adolescents, and educating the public on the enormous health and societal costs of tobacco.

If you are a parent or guardian and you’re worried about your teen smoking, here are several preventative tips to remember:

• Help them deal with peer pressure
• Educate them about the harm of smoking and make sure they’re aware of the financial expenses that come with tobacco use.
• Explain that smoking is highly addictive and discuss the health consequences that come with it.
• As parents, you have to practice what you preach, meaning you should not smoke too.
  

If you see your teen’s oral health deteriorating, consult your pediatric dentist. Dental issues have to be diagnosed and treated properly at the earliest possible time to prevent further complications.

Are you planning to travel this summer? Travelling can be time-consuming and busy that we often forget our little daily routines, especially when it comes to our oral health. Before packing up and heading out this summer, be sure to check out these travel tips to ensure a healthy mouth while on vacation.

Visit Your Dentist Before Leaving
Few weeks before leaving for your trip, be sure to schedule an appointment for you and the kids with your dentist. Having a pre-trip checkup ensures that everything in your mouth is OK and ready to hit the road. Nothing’s worse than being away and your child experiencing a terrible toothache that could have been prevented with a check-up.

Visit your pediatric dentist and schedule an appointment for your kids.

Prepare a Dental Travel Kit
When shopping for your trip, don’t forget to look for mouth care items (in travel size) to bring for your family. Your dental travel kit will encourage your kids to continue taking care of their mouth even when they’re away. Buy a small mouthwash, toothpaste and floss for each member of the family.

Be sure to place their dental travel kit on top of their clothes so it’s the first thing they’ll see when they get to your destination. Make sure you are following the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules so you can get your dental travel kit on the plane. If you are placing in your carry on, place it in a clear bag that is easy to reach. If you are checking your baggage, you can bring a full-sized dental care items. More information on TSA travel rules.

Store Your Toothbrush Properly
Look for a small case for your toothbrush to protect it from bacteria and germs that you’ll encounter while traveling. Buy a hard case to protect the bristles on your brush and be sure to dry your brush before storing it to prevent growth of bacteria. We suggest looking into an anti-bacterial cover to keep the germs away.

Watch What You Eat
Nothing’s wrong with eating local foods while out of the country but that does not mean you must overindulge. Try to avoid sticky, starchy foods that can stick to your teeth as well as sugary foods. Look for dairy food products as they are rich in calcium which strengthens your enamel.

Be sure to rinse your mouth after each meal to get rid of any excess food debris in between your teeth.

Maintain Your Routine
Indeed, you may easily get caught up in your vacation, but you have to remember to keep your oral care routine. Be sure to brush your teeth two time a day and floss. Try making it a fun activity with your kids in the morning and before bedtime. Share your experiences on that day and what you look forward to the next day. Having all the member of the family involved with your brushing routine will provide you and the rest more accountability so they are more likely to stick to it.