New Study Regarding the Effect Smoking Has on Taste Buds

Toronto, Canada (PRWEB), April 10, 2014 – Princeview Dental (PrinceviewDental.com), one of Etobicoke’s leading dental clinics, is reacting to a recently published study suggesting that smoking cigarettes may have a harmful effect on taste buds, restricting their ability to adequately taste food.

It’s already been proven that the chemicals in tobacco reduce the sensitivity of taste buds, and many smokers comment on rediscovering the real taste of food only after they have given up smoking. Tobacco also deadens the sense of smell, which goes hand-in-hand with being able to properly judge taste.

This recent study, conducted by the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in France, tested 451 smokers, non-smokers, and former smokers in determining salty, sweet, bitter, and s taste sensations. While there weren’t significant changes in the varying groups’ ability to distinguish salty, sweet, and s sensations, the bitterness in caffeine went undetected in larger proportions by the group identified as smokers.

(Source: Ellis, M., “Smokers’ taste buds ‘do not allow them to taste bitterness of coffee,’” MedicalNewsToday.com, March 29, 2014; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/274698.php.)

“We always suggest visiting a dentist at least once every six months,” says Dr. Janice Mummery, founder of Princeview Dental. “However, smokers are more susceptible to oral infections and disease, so they may need to visit their dentist more frequently. Smokers should also adhere to their dentist’s suggestions about how often they need checkups.”

Besides regular visits to the dentist, Dr. Mummery notes that there are other steps that both smokers and non-smokers can take to ensure healthy oral hygiene. “For starters, flossing is very important and should be done in conjunction with brushing the teeth twice a day. A person’s diet also plays a critical role in oral care, as maintaining healthy eating habits will help in achieving proper oral hygiene,” she says

“Proper teeth brushing techniques, as well as using some form of mouthwash, is also suggested, as is keeping the toothbrush clean,” she reiterates. “Wash the toothbrush with water after each use and replace it once the bristles become frayed.”

“Though it is still unclear whether quitting the habit of smoking will fully rejuvenate a smoker’s taste buds, increased oral care is essential to the overall health of teeth and gums,” Dr. Mummery concludes.

Founded in 1994, Princeview Dental is a trusted dental clinic in Etobicoke. Princeview Dental offers a full range of dental services for all age groups, including preventive dentistry, restorative/cosmetic dentistry, and offering  patients a variety of procedures to “makeover” their smile, including dental Implants, surgery, full and partial dentures, and treatment for gum disease. To learn more about Princeview Dental, visit the company’s web site at www.PrinceviewDental.com or call 416-231-4562