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Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Secondhand Smoke & Childhood Cavities

There are many reasons to stop smoking and your children's health is one of them. A research study published in May 2001 by the University of Rochester linked second-hand smoke to development of cavities in children. Smoking stains and cracks your teeth while raising your likelihood of oral cancer.

Since researcher Dr. C. Andrew Aligne’s research was published more studies have been done on the topic. In the U.S., four thousand federal health records of children aged four to eleven were examined. Smoking exposure was measured by the presence of cotinine, a nicotine by-product, in the blood. After analyzing numerous variables, the rate of cavities in children was still found to be twice as high in smoking households. Cavities were found in both baby and permanent teeth, but more prominently in baby teeth.

How smoking is exactly causing these cavities to occur is still unknown. Speculation centers around nicotine leading to infections, possibly by weakening the child's immune system. Further research needs to be done to truly understand the connection between smoking and cavities.

If you are concerned that your child might be second-hand smoke decay, or have any questions about any of our other services, feel free to visit one of Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces offices located around the Phoenix, AZ. area. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit our website at https://www.kidzconnextion.com/.


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