Researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine recently found that smoking also weakens the ability for pulp in teeth to fight illness and disease.In other words, smokers have fewer defense mechanisms on the inside of their teeth. That might explain why smokers have poorer endodontic outcomes and delayed healing than non-smokers, says Anita Aminoshariae, associate professor of endodontics and director of predoctoral endodontics. Imagine TNF-? and hBD-2 are among the soldiers in a last line of defense fortifying a castle. Smoking kills these soldiers before they even have a chance at mounting a solid defense.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Endodontics.Previously, there was little research into the endodontic effects of smoking - the inside of teeth. Smokers had worse outcomes than nonsmokers, with greater chances of developing gum disease and nearly two times more likely to require a root canal.
The Research
This new preliminary research set out to explain the possible contributing factors. Thirty-two smokers and 37 nonsmokers with endodontic pulpitis - more commonly known as dental-tissue inflammation - were included in the study.We began with a look at the dental pulp of smokers compared with nonsmokers, Aminoshariae added. We hypothesized that the natural defenses would be reduced in smokers; we didnt expect them to have them completely depleted.
One interesting find, Aminoshariae noted, was that for two patients who quit smoking, those defenses returned.
Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.