Smoking is an incredibly difficult habit to break, but there is increasing pressure against those who choose to live a smoker's lifestyle. Countless studies attribute secondhand smoke to asthma, respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. Now it looks like we can chalk up another side-effect: cavities. 

The dental care professionals at Pedodontic Associates see their fair share of cavities and tooth decay; as the best pediatric dentists on Oahu and Maui, repairing cavities is part of the job. Another essential component to pediatric dentistry is educating patients and their families on how to best maintain a healthy mouth and a brilliant smile.

A recent study in Japan examined 77,000 young children and found those who lived in households in which the parents smoked were 50% more likely to develop cavities, even if the parents chose not to smoke near the children. That risk doubled when the children were exposed to secondhand smoke as young as four months old.

Secondhand smoke is known to inflame the oral membrane, impair the function of salivary glands, lower Vitamin C levels, and even cause immune dysfunction. All of this adds up to mean the mouth is less capable of fighting off bad bacteria, resulting in a buildup of cavity-causing germs. If you have been struggling to quit, this will hopefully provide the motivation you need to take charge and put down the tobacco for good. 

Dental care is important, especially to the health of a developing child. That's why the staff at Pedodontic Associates dedicates themselves to providing the best dental care possible for developing teeth. With offices on Oahu and Maui, you are never more than a short trip away from the road to a healthier smile. To learn more about their pediatric dentistry services, visit them online or call their Honolulu location at (808) 735-1733, their Aiea location at (808) 487-7933, or their Kahului location at (808) 877-0066.