Cigars and dental hygiene

Okay, so I tried out a new dentist today (old one's failing eyesight shaky hands were beginning to worry me). Now, I'm very meticulous about dental care--brushing, rinsing, flossing, gum massaging--and other than the occasional cavity have never had a problem.

I'm also not a big-time cigar smoker. At most I do 1-2 cigars per week. An I hadn't lit up a stogie in nearly a week before my appointment..

So, the new dentist guy is doing his examination thing, and at one point he asks me, totally out of the blue, "Do you smoke?" I kind of looked at him warily and said, "Ummmmm, why?"

He said that my gums were showing early signs of periodontal disease. Since there was no real plaque or other food stuff there to cause it, he said that smoking of any kind can cause it. I fessed up my cigar smoking, but said, "Doc, I only do one or two a week, I only smoke premium brands, not Swisher Sweets." He shrugged and said that all that nicotine and smoke swirling around your mouth can accelerate gum disease.

The fact that he was able to make the connection after never having seen me really spooked me. So much so that afterward I had to take a walk and light up a Hemingway.

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Comments

Bigshizza

Sounds like a question he asks all new patients. Occasionally he gets lucky and that starts the lecture.

Cigary

Im 60 and been smoking since I was 12 years old...cigars that is. I've had dentists ask me my entire life about smoking and I tell them I smoke cigars and don't lecture me....I will continue to smoke until I'm in the grave and maybe even after. If one brushes and takes care of their teeth you can expect to keep them but there are risks...just like getting out of bed and being run over by a truck.

AshMe

raisindot:
The fact that he was able to make the connection after never having seen me really spooked me. So much so that afterward I had to take a walk and light up a Hemingway.

Man that last part was really funny. Reminds about this hillbilly "Outlaw" that posts videos on youtube about "dipping" (Copenhagen). He is hilarious.

Unicorn

Now you've freaked me out. I am REALLY picky about my teeth.

jd50ae

Bigshizza:
Sounds like a question he asks all new patients. Occasionally he gets lucky and that starts the lecture.

I wanted to say that.

mmccartneydc

jd50ae:
Bigshizza:
Sounds like a question he asks all new patients. Occasionally he gets lucky and that starts the lecture.

I wanted to say that.

Being a health care provider, that is what we are trained to do. Ask you about your history, and then discuss with you what you tell us! So I would definitely agree with Jimbo here!

raisindot

mmccartneydc:
jd50ae:
Bigshizza:
Sounds like a question he asks all new patients. Occasionally he gets lucky and that starts the lecture.

I wanted to say that.
Being a health care provider, that is what we are trained to do. Ask you about your history, and then discuss with you what you tell us! So I would definitely agree with Jimbo here!

I kind of mentioned that to him after he asked...kind of like the old "You must say that to all the girls" line. But he didn't ask me any questions about my health or dental habits before he started poking around in there, and he said the main reason he asked was because the lack of plaque and other nasty stuff made him think something other than the usual dental crud might be causing it.

But you're right...might have been the first in a series of "directive questions" he would've tossed out there trying to hit gold, like the way the TV psychics hit their marks.

benhanks

Unicorn:
Now you've freaked me out. I am REALLY picky about my teeth.

Sounds like you should stop smoking. I'll send you my address to help you quit

Rhamlin

If it came between my teeth and cigars.... Guess I'll be getting some dentures.