Many people who have missing teeth opt for dentures, bridge work, or implants. However, often times dentures don't feel secure, bridge work goes bad, or it just does not look and feel natural. Some people have difficulty chewing with dentures or bridge work. So what can you do? Dental implants are a great option for people missing one or more teeth that would like to smile, speak and eat again with the comfort and confidence of natural teeth. So, let's take a look at how dental implants work by reviewing some frequently asked questions and answers.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw. This root then holds a tooth or bridge in place. The root is made of titanium, and is secured to your jaw by being screwed in. Then as your mouth heals, the bone will attach to the titanium posts, and essentially they will act as though they are part of the jaw itself.

Why would you want a dental implant over another option?
Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth, but of course, you probably want more than just my word for it, so here are some examples of how:
    Esthetic: It is important when you replace missing teeth that you like the way the replacement looks. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! What could be better esthetically? Unless you tell them, no one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
    Less bone loss or gum recession: Because of the fact that the titanium posts of your dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
    Tooth-saving: One of the biggest benefits is that implants stand alone, so in other words dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does. In bridge work neighboring teeth are altered to support the replacement, this is not the case with dental implants. So, basically you not only get a replacement tooth, but you also get a more long-term benefit to your oral health.
    Confidence: Missing teeth can be a big blow to your confidence, however, dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat as you did with your natural teeth. You do not have to worry about them being secure, wobbling, etc.
    Clean: With implants you are not taking anything out of your mouth, so you can forget about the worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues. You get ease, comfort, and cleanliness.
    Reliable: The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable, especially if you take the time to adequately recover, and if you maintain proper oral hygiene the chances are even better.

Who gets dental implants?
Dental implants are really the most ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. They are not for people who have lost or are losing all of their teeth, but you can speak with your dentist about your unique situation.

How will I feel after I have a dental implant?
Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You will have some recovery time, you may need to take some pain killers, and you will want to practice impeccable oral hygiene, but you will love the results!

What can dental implants do for me?
    Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
    Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
    Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
    Vastly improve the quality of life for the many people who suffer from the problems associated with missing teeth.

The following are some ways you can prevent gum disease:
The first step in prevention is knowing the signs and symptoms so that should you already have a problem, or be on the road to a problem you can course correct, and quickly.

Signs and symptoms
Although the symptoms of periodontal or in other words, gum disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease, and your dentist will know how serious they are. So, pay attention to these symptoms as they can act as a warning that without action to correct the problem there will be a major problem. They include:
    gums that bleed during and after toothbrushing, unless this is caused by using too hard of bristles, or too hard of strokes, this can indicate weakened or diseased gums, so talk to your dentist.
    red, swollen or tender gums, if your gums are red, swollen, or tender then you likely have an infection. If left untreated this can lead to gum disease
    persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth, bad breath is often caused by bacteria or gingivitis, which leads to more serious gum disease, talk to your dentist.
    receding gums, receding gums are often a result of gum disease, so if you notice your gums are receding, get them checked out.
    formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums, these deep pockets hold bacteria, and allow it to fester, this can lead to gum disease.
    loose or shifting teeth, once again, a sign that you may be on the road to gum disease
    changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures.

So, now that you know what to look out for that may indicate you have gum disease, let's look at the methods of prevention you should be using:
    Brush your teeth properly twice a day. Talk to your dentist about what type of tooth brush, size head, bristles, etc. to use. Brushing your teeth thoroughly removes plaque from the surface before it hardens and leads to gum disease.
    Use a fluoride toothpaste. Using a toothpaste with fluoride helps to prevent decay.
    Floss your teeth daily. Flossing is the most overlooked step of oral hygiene and one of the most important steps to avoid gum disease. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from in between your teeth that a toothbrush can't reach, so don't neglect your daily floss.
    Use a mouth rinse or mouth wash. It is important to regularly use an antimicrobial mouth rinse, this is the type of mouth wash that does not just mask bad breath, but actually helps you to fight bacteria, plaque etc Listerine is a good choice.
    Visit your dentist for regular check ups. You should at the minimum visit your dentist semi-annually. If you smoke, drink, are pregnant, diabetic, etc. more frequent visits are wise. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) leads to bad breath, oral bone loss, and tooth loss. if left untreated, it can even cause medical problems such as diabetic complications, strokes and pre-mature births. So, do not be ignorant to gum disease, take steps of prevention, watch for signs, and talk to your dentist if you have any questions.

There are a number of foods that are more likely to discolor or stain your teeth than other foods. So, let's take a look:

    Chromogenic foods: The term "chromogenic foods" simply refers to foods (actually it ends up being beverages mostly) that when consumed over time have the ability to produce a staining effect on teeth. Some of the most common and well known chromogenic foods and beverages are coffee, tea, cola, and red wine, but the list is not limited to that.
    Tobacco, contains dark compounds that can be absorbed by the enamel on teeth over time. Brands do not matter, or make a difference, but until you quit, you will have continually stained teeth
    Coffee, contains dark compounds that can be absorbed by the enamel on teeth over time. Most coffee drinkers drink coffee daily, which leads to deeper stains and more difficulty in keeping teeth looking white.
    Tea, contains dark compounds that can be absorbed by the enamel on teeth over time. This depends on the type of teeth, some actually do the opposite, but you can always ask your dentist about your favorite variety.
    Red wine, contains dark compounds that can be absorbed by the enamel on teeth over time. The occasional red wine drinker will not notice much staining, but if a glass of red wine is common with dinner you will notice staining.
    Colas, contains dark compounds that can be absorbed by the enamel on teeth over time. Much like coffee, cola drinkers who drink these beverages daily will have deeper, more difficult to remove staining as the syrup is very potent and dark.
    Orange soda contains dark compounds that can be absorbed by the enamel on teeth over time. This leads to yellowing.

So what can you do if these rinks are causing your teeth to be stained: well you have a couple of options: First, you can have your teeth whitened, which is what most people choose to do. However, if you continue to use these products, the stains may return within a month or so. So, that leads to the second options which is to considerably cut back your consumption, or quit altogether. There is a third option, but it is difficult and inconvenient because most people consume these beverages on the go, however, you can always be sure to brush your teeth within 15-20 minutes after drinking these beverages or smoking.

The following are some examples of foods that lead to discoloration of your teeth
    Blueberries,
    Chocolate,
    Mustard,
    Tomatoes,
    Other dark and acidic foods
All of these can, and over time, likely will discolor your teeth. In fact, the truth of the matter is simply that anything that can stain your carpet can discolor your teeth.

So, with this in mind, what can you do?
Clearly you can get your teeth whitened as often as possible, and this will take care of the problem, but it is not a solution, just a band-aid.
Brushing after each meal can help prevent these stains, and will make whitening last much longer.
Rinse your mouth with water when you do not have time or the ability to brush, this can greatly help.

So, what foods won't stain your teeth?
    Melons,
    Peaches,
    Summer fruit high in water content
    Cheese
    Low acidic foods
All of these foods are less likely to cause cavities, and some can even help prevent them by giving your body nutrients it needs. Also these foods can help prevent stains. Preventing cavities is more important obviously. Cavities discolor teeth and give teeth a grayish tinge.

Stronger teeth means less chance of tooth decay and rot, so how can you make your teeth stronger? The following are 6 tips for stronger teeth:

Tip one: Keep your teeth healthy and in turn make them stronger through proper brushing techniques.
    Brush at least twice a day - after breakfast and before bedtime.
    When possible brush after each meal and snack. This is not realistic for most, but if you can brush after lunch or after snacks, especially snacks of the sweet variety, your teeth will be much stronger because brushing properly helps to break down plaque, which leads to stronger teeth because of less tooth decay.
    Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Many children short cut brushing and only brush the ones they show to mom and dad, the problem with this is that the brushing habits we establish as children carry over into our adult lives. So, spend some time on the teeth along the sides and in the back.
    Brush away from your gums. You are brushing to break plaque down, so you want to remove it from the gum line, not force it into your gums.
    Take your time while brushing, this is not a race. You should always spend at least 3 minutes each time you brush. This can be difficult to do, especially if you have trouble keeping track of time. A good solution is start a song on your stereo as you begin brushing, and don't stop until the song is over. Or, brush during the commercials of one of your favorite television programs. This not only helps you get the time right, but it makes the time go faster by giving you something to do.

Tip two: Get stronger teeth by using the right equipment. Many people weaken their teeth unknowingly by brushing too hard, or by using a tooth brush that has too hard of bristles, or not replacing it often enough. These can lead to receding gums, or breaking down of enamel.
    Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles. You can simply look at the packaging to ensure it has soft bristles.
    Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, or more often. A newer toothbrush is always better for your teeth, you get a better clean, and the bristles are in a good condition so instead of hurting your teeth and gums, it benefits them.

Tip three: Get stronger teeth by preventing decay and cavities. If you have to get fillings your teeth will not be as strong because essentially what happens is part of the tooth structure is removed, and although it is filled with a new substance (composite or silver amalgam) it is weaker. This means that it is more likely to crack, fracture, etc. So, prevent cavities by using the above brushing techniques combined with proper flossing, regular dentist visits, etc.
    Learn how to floss your teeth the right way to make it most effective. Slip the dental floss between each tooth and up along the gum line. The floss gets rid of food that's hidden where your toothbrush can't get it, no matter how well you brush, you should always floss.
    It's also important to visit the dentist twice a year. Besides checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra clean, and he or she can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.

Tip four: Eat and drink foods that promote strong teeth. It's not just brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy - you also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda, and promote healthier stronger bones by getting enough calcium as well as the other nutrients your body needs.

Tip five: Ask your dentist for other recommendations and he or she will be better aware of your specific needs.

If you are wondering, "Should I supplement fluoride?" look no further. The following questions will help you determine the answer to your question of whether or not you should supplement fluoride.

Question one: Do you have strong tooth enamel?
Fluoride helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel.

Question two: Where do you live?
Many cities are required to add fluoride to tap water. If you live in an area where the tap water doesn't contain fluoride, you many want to ask your dentist or doctor to prescribe daily fluoride tablets for you or your child.

Question three: Do you know what fluoride is?
Fluoride is a derivative of an element, it exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine, the thirteenth most common element in the Earth's crust.

Question four: Do you know what the pros and cons of fluoride are?
Fluoride is well known for fighting off tooth decay, but it is also considered poisonous if taken in too high of quantity, and can stain your child's teeth.

Question five: Do you know what it is that fluoride does?
Fluoride does a lot of things, here are some of the better ones:
    Fluoride combats tooth decay.
    Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, so that it can better resist the acid formed by plaque.
    Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to repair, or to remineralize themselves.
    Fluoride cannot repair cavities, but it can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming.

Question six: If you supplement fluoride could you possibly be overexposed to it?
As with most minerals and vitamins, overexposure to fluoride can be harmful. Most people get the right amount of fluoride through a combination of fluoridated toothpaste and fluoridated water or supplements. However, if you get too much fluoride, especially if you or your child is under eight years old, there can be discoloration of the permanent teeth. 

Question seven: Are you already getting enough sources of fluoride?
Fluoride is found in many places, and you may not need to supplement it because you may be getting more than you think. Fluoride is commonly found in the following:
    Toothpaste and mouthwash
    Infant formula
    Water
    Processed cereals and food from areas with fluoridated water
    Beverages: More than 70% of soft drinks contain 0.6 ppm or more of fluoride
    Tea and coffee: High level of fluoride can be found in brick tea.
    Fish and seafood
    Chicken and some other types of meat
    Environmental sources: Fluoride is released from coal burning, either as a respired gas or ingested from the gas landing on the food. Fluoride can also be present in soils.

Question eight: How old are you?
Children under the age of 6 months do not need fluoride supplement of any kind. Even if the water they drink, or the mother who breast feeds drink has not fluoride in it, they get enough fluoride simply from the environment.
Children over 6 months old who are still predominantly breast fed for fluids may need supplement, but that again depends on the water and environment.
Children under the age of 3 that brush their teeth with fluoride enhanced toothpaste do not need supplement, and in fact, you want to make sure that they spit effectively when brushing so as not to swallow toothpaste with too much fluoride.

Question nine: Do you know where to get fluoride supplements?
You can find Fluoride tablets made by Colgate or Oral-B or consult your dentist for a dosage or prescription for fluoride.

Question ten: What did your doctor and dentist say?
If you need to supplement fluoride your dentist or doctor would likely have told you, so as long as you see a dentist regularly, and as long as you ask them about it, you should know whether or not you should supplement fluoride

There are now numerous options to fix, nip or tuck anything you might be dissatisfied with.  Cosmetic alterations and cosmetic surgery are one of the fastest growing fields today.  Americans are spending more and more money on fixing their appearance. And one of the areas they are spending the most money on is bleaching their teeth. The tooth whitening industry has seen a sharp rise in popularity and demand which has lasted through the past several years.  This has brought what was once a fairly minor branch of the cosmetic enhancement market into the spotlight all at once. This is a good thing for those who are interested in having their teeth whitened.  The technology and methods have advanced a great deal in recent years due to the increase in popular demand.  There are many techniques available for bleaching teeth.  They range all the way from expensive laser treatments administered in the dental chair to custom made trays and whitening strips that can be bought off a shelf at the local grocery teeth.  While everyone seems to want a brighter smile any consumer would be wise to study the pros and cons of teeth bleaching before making a final decision.  Here are a few-

Pros-

    It goes without saying that a whiter smile helps to improve appearance.  Beautiful white teeth seem to be an indication of beauty and signal a healthier lifestyle.
    People with a brighter smile seem to have more self confidence. They tend to smile more and create a great first impression.
    A whiter smile tends to minimize the appearance of aging, making facial wrinkles less noticeable.  This gives the user a more energetic look and youthful appearance.
    Many studies report that people judge those with a bright smile as being friendlier.  They tend to get more attention which can be extremely helpful in situations like applying for a job.
    Compared to other dental procedures (veneers, crowns etc.) teeth bleaching and whitening is relatively inexpensive.
    In-office treatment is a fairly simple procedure that does not take a great deal of time or other commitment by the patient.
    Teeth whitening can be maintained fairly easily by using regular and consistent dental hygiene in conjunction with maintenance teeth whitening products.

Cons-

    There can be short term side effects to teeth bleaching.  This can be pain in the gums or teeth or increased sensitivity to cold.  This usually disappears when the treatment is discontinued.  The potential user should be evaluated for bleach sensitivity.
    While research does indicate that bleaching is highly effective it is not 100% effective for everyone.  Some studies put the success rate of bleaching at about 78% of users.  Bleaching may not be the best choice for those with serious teeth discoloration. Veneers or crowns should be considered for those with extreme problems of discoloration.
    Some people experience pain and discomfort if they choose the bleaching method which involves a mouth tray.  This too is usually a short-term problem.  The bleaching trays can be adjusted to the fit of the user's mouth.  This should help minimize or eliminate the problem of uncomfortable trays all together.
    Teeth whitening can be expensive for the average consumer.  The standard fee can be about $500 for teeth whitening and teeth bleaching procedures.  Laser whitening can easily run over $1000 dollars.  This may vary depending upon the area of the country you live in and the type of whitening treatment that you choose to do. Dental insurance does not usually cover the cost of any teeth whitening procedures.

Any consumer considering any teeth whitening or bleaching procedure would be wise to do their own research and consult a dental professional before making a final decision.

5 tips for choosing an off the shelf teeth whitening system

1. Budget: Believe it or not Americans pay close to $600 million a year for tooth whitening.  Dentists charge anywhere from $300- several thousand to get your teeth whitened, but that is not the only option you have. You can also get a white smile with an off the shelf tooth whitening system.  Some off the shelf tooth whitening kits start at as little as $15.  While results will vary, and the price often reflects the quality, your first tip is to choose the highest priced available within your budget. Or, if there are two similarly priced, choose the one with the highest recommendation.

2. Choose the right ingredients for your teeth: Most off the shelf whitening agents will use either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide bleach as their active ingredient.  Obviously, these bleaches are far less effective than what your dentist can use, but that is why they are more affordable.  However, if you have really gray or extremely stained teeth, an off the shelf whitening system will do little for you. At home tooth whitening kits are designed to work on yellowish teeth. So, make sure you choose something that will do you good, otherwise you are wasting money, you would be wise to spend extra and see a dentist for whitening then spend too little and get no result for your money.

3. Go with a reputable brand: Brands like Crest white strips, and Colgate whiteners will likely give you better results than an unknown. Plus, if you do not get good results, the company is far more willing to refund your money as they have a name and reputation to protect than a generic brand. So, go with the proven brands, and have the assurance that they would not be promoting a worthless product as much as they are.

4. Ask your dentist for recommendations: Your dentist should know the condition of your teeth, and your dentist is likely the best person to ask advice for whitening from. He or she will know if your stains are too severe to be affected by off the shelf whitening agents, and they may also be able to give you some tips to help your off the shelf whitening kit work better for you. So, ask. It can't hurt to ask.

5. Pick a tray form: While brush on and strip whitening applicators are less expensive, the downside is that they can leave splotches and miss the nooks and crannies in your teeth.  For most uniform whitening use an application where the whitening agent is put in a tray that forms around your teeth. Also, try to find one that allows you to form your own trays, not a one size fits all, this will help you to get a more unique whitening, and one that is best for your teeth.

No matter what off the shelf teeth whitening system you choose, it is important to realize whitening is not for everyone. So, do not use a tooth whitening system if you have gum irritation, or a toothache. It is also important that you do not use a tooth whitening product for more than 14 days without consulting a dental professional.

If you experience tooth sensitivity while using a whitening system, stop using the whitener and consult a dentist.

In today's appearance conscious attitude even your smile doesn't escape scrutiny.  Just a few years ago those with less than perfect and less than white teeth really had no options (beyond caps or false teeth) to improve their smile.  Thankfully that has changed with the innovative Zoom teeth whitening.  One of the first things that someone notices in another person is their smile.  Those with unattractive smiles may feel self conscious about their smile and may not make that important first impression.  It makes someone's smile very important.  A beautiful smile that includes bright, white teeth improves anyone's allover appearance. Having nice white teeth can help you feel better about yourself and make that memorable impression. 

There are many factors that can contribute to the staining and darkening of teeth.  Lifestyle factors are the biggest contributor to this problem. Teeth can become stained and darken from such things as drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine.  Smoking is also a major factor in whether teeth will darken.   But simply aging can also contribute to teeth not being their whitest.

The solution to this is using a whitening procedure.   This is the best possible way to improve the total look of your smile. While the Zoom whitening procedure has become easier to access in many dental offices. There are some things that you should look at when considering a whitening procedure.  Here are a few-

    The whitening procedure should be fast and convenient. The Zoom whitening procedure takes just 45 minutes.  This can be done literally during a lunch hour. A special proprietary bleaching gel is applied to the teeth after the lips and gums are covered. A specially designed laser light is then applied to help the gel penetrate and break up stains and discoloration.  This is repeated in three 15 minute increments and then followed by a five minute fluoride treatment.
    The whitening procedure should be long lasting.  Proponents of the Zoom whitening procedure report that after treatment their teeth are between 6-10 shades lighter.  The teeth permanently become lighter with the correct post procedure care.  Dentists who use this procedure for their patients recommend flossing and brushing twice daily using special Zoom toothpaste.  This is used as a maintenance procedure to the actual whitening.
    The whitening procedure should have low sensitivity.  This provides the least amount of discomfort. Some patients report after using the Zoom whitening procedure that they do have a slight and temporary increased sensitivity to cold. These symptoms disappear 1-3 days after the completion of the treatment.  While this may seem like a negative to this procedure, many off the shelf bleach treatments are harsh and can cause a great amount of discomfort for the user.
    The whitening procedure should be proven to safe and effective.  To many times beauty treatments can not provide what is promised or have serious side effects.  Neither of these is true with using the Zoom whitening procedure.  There are countless testimonials available about both the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.  As with any other cosmetic procedure the consumer should not be afraid to ask for referrals from their dental professional.
    The whitening procedure should be performed only by a dental professional. Dentists and other professionals applying this treatment undergo specific training to get the best results possible.  It is important that the consumer of whitening products have the procedure done with a qualified dental professional to maximize the wanted results. 

The Zoom whitening procedure seems to have it all!  Fast, safe and easy to do this has certainly become the next step in achieving that glowing smile of pearly white teeth!

Thankfully dental health and good oral hygiene has evolved considerably over the last century.  Before the 20th century dentists were unable to do much more than pull teeth that had become infected.  Technology has improved the ability to have good oral hygiene.  While dentistry itself has developed in its techniques and ability to save teeth also the consumer literally has almost a limitless number and kind of products to choose from in caring for their own teeth.  Grocery and drug stores now stock a huge number of toothbrushes and toothpaste.  In addition there is floss of different varieties and flavors.  Along with all this there is mouthwash in an array of strengths and flavors.  The consumer literally has an arsenal to choose from in products that are most suited to their taste and needs.  After choosing toothbrush, toothpaste and floss many people still want to choose a mouthwash to complete their oral hygiene routine.  Yet many consumers report they are confused by the the number of kinds of mouthwash, how to use mouthwash and how to make it effective.  The first step is to understand why a patient should use mouthwash.

Many people find they have the proverbial "morning breathe".  This is because while you sleep, less of your cleansing saliva flows.  So as a result the bacteria in the mouth (the ones that form plaque and cause gingivitis also known as gum disease) start working like crazy.  So this proliferation of bacteria in the mouth is the reason most people wake up with the yucky smelling breath.  Mouthwashes contain active ingredients that kill bacteria and prevent them from attaching to your teeth. And a result they not only promote better oral health but a much nicer appearance complete with sweet smelling breath.  Most mouthwash brands are marketed as being an antiseptic.  That is just a way of saying they kill germs.  Research is still skeptical about how much of this is true but there is no denying that mouthwash can serve as a tool in helping promote better oral health and certainly better breath. Here are some tips in helping your mouthwash be more effective-

1.    Choose a flavor you like.  It won't do you any good if the mouthwash just remains in the bottle in the medicine cabinet.  Ignore the marketing of any specific flavor of mouthwash and try a few until you find the flavor you like.  It goes without saying that if you like the flavor of the mouthwash you are more apt to use it regularly.  The flavors of mouthwash today run the gamut from mint to cinnamon and even bubble gum.
2.    Don't eat or brush for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash.  This allows the chemicals in the mouthwash to kill bacteria and work on the freshening your breath.  Even teeth brushing may remove the chemicals from your mouth making them less effective.
3.    You must swish or gargle with the mouthwash for at least 30 seconds.  This gives the mouthwash time to coat all the surfaces of your mouth.  Be sure and spit the mouthwash out after.  Don't swallow the mouthwash as they can make you sick if you do so. 
4.    While dentist recommend not using a fluoride rinse more than once per day you can use mouthwash more often.  Many people find that using mouthwash as a part of a twice daily oral hygiene routine works best for them.
5.    Some mouthwash ingredients (chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride) may cause teeth staining. Be sure and check the label of your selected mouthwash if this could be a concern. 
6.    Avoid buying mouthwash in bulk unless you will be committing to a daily use of it.  Mouthwash over time can loose some of its effectiveness.  While a bulk gallon of mouthwash may be appealing from a price standpoint be sure you will be able to use before its effectiveness is lessened in other words check the best by date. 

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your lungs, can contribute to cancer, etc. But not as many people are aware of the huge affect smoking has on your teeth.

Did you know that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do?  In fact, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

What other affects does smoking have on your teeth?
    Smokers don't heal as well after periodontal treatment as former smokers or nonsmokers do. This can be hugely problematic, especially if a smoker needed dental implants, etc. However, if you quit successfully before the procedure, the negative effects subside.
    Smoking, as well as other forms of tobacco can cause gums to recede. This can later lead to teeth falling out, and other oral health problems
    Smoking will greatly increase your chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. Once again this leads to tooth loss, which means expense and pain, as well as embarrassment.
    One study showed that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers, and pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers. So, it really does not matter what you are smoking, or how, you are going to have negative affects on your teeth.
    Discoloration and other cosmetic problems also occur due to tobacco used when smoking. Often this problem can be corrected with tooth whiteners, but that does not mean it won't come back. In fact, it comes back very quickly, and can be difficult to remove.
    Other oral problems as well. There is a lot of research to show that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:
o    Oral cancer- cancer in any form is scary, but oral cancer is absolutely miserable. So, your option is basically to quit.
o    Bad breath- one of the affects of smoking as far as your mouth goes is simply that you will have bad breath. This is never fun for the people around you, and often times, even strong mouthwashes, and gum won't hide the problem.
o    Stained teeth: we have already talked about this, but this is a cosmetic problem 100% of smokers suffer from, and really, you could spend thousands of dollars whitening and you will still see staining from smoking.
o    Tooth loss- this is likely the most miserable of the affects smoking has on teeth. When you do not have your teeth eating is not as fun, smiles are not as brilliant, and life in general is not as enjoyable.
o    Bone loss- this can be very serious, your teeth will weaken, your jaw bones will weaken, implants won't work, etc.
o    Loss of taste: food is so enjoyable, and not being able to appreciate the flavors is one affect smoking has on the mouth.
o    Less success with periodontal treatment- if you end up with gum disease, which you likely will, your dentist will do everything they can to treat it, but one affect of smoking is that treatment is rendered not nearly as effective.
o    Less success with dental implants- failure of dental implants is not only terribly painful, it is also expensive, and this is certainly one disappointing affect of smoking.
o    Mouth sores- your body will not be able to fight off infections and bacteria as easily if you smoke, and thus one affect of smoking is mouth sores.
o    Facial wrinkling- smoking makes your wrinkle faster, end of story.
As you can see, smoking affects teeth is 100% negative ways. There is no positive affect of smoking when it comes to your teeth. Also, as shown, smoking does not only affect your teeth, but it also affects your whole mouth, from bad breath to facial wrinkles.