Here’s Something To Be Thankful For!!

According to a recent study done by The American Dental Association, the feature that others find most attractive is not our hair, eyes, or body – it’s our smile!!

So don’t worry about trying to compete with the latest supermodel or those impossible-to-beat images we see on every billboard and magazine ad.  Just flash your pearly whites & smile!

But there’s more to it than that.  Anti-aging expert, Dr. Mark Stibich, has come up with some fantastic reasons to smile.  Here are just a few of them.

Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile.  Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood for the better.

Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room & make things happier.  Smile lots & you will draw people to you.

Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces.  Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed.  When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile.  The stress should be reduced & you’ll be better able to take action.

Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better.  When you smile, immune function improves, possibly because you are more relaxed.  Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers & Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin, making us feel great.  Smiling is a natural drug.

Smiling Lifts the Face & Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger.  Don’t go for a face-lift, just try smiling your way through the day – you’ll look younger & feel better!

There is no doubt about it – smiling is something we should be extremely thankful for.  At DeLand Smiles, it is our mission to give our patients something to smile about!

If you’re not happy with your smile, call us right away at 386-736-7121.  We would love to help!!

Eight Benefits of Tooth Brushing – That Have Nothing To Do With Your Teeth!!

We are all aware that brushing your teeth on a regular basis prevents cavities and keeps you smiling. But there are many other surprising benefits, including these eight that don’t have to do with your teeth!

 

1.     According to a study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, participants who did not brush on a regular basis had a 65 percent greater chance of developing dementia compared to those who did brush. So don’t forget to brush!!

2.     A study in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular brushing decreases the chance of stroke! Wow - two very serious diseases can be curtailed with good oral hygiene. And the list goes on…..

3.     As any dentist, hygienist or physician can tell you, regular brushing (and flossing) helps to prevent gum disease. But you may not know that along with causing stinky breath and unattractive smiles, gum disease is a major indicator of heart disease and the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

4.     A study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shown that increased brushing decreases the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COPD. Why? Bacteria which form on the teeth make their way into the lungs and respiratory tract, wreaking havoc along the way.

5.     Dental researcher Dr. Caitia Gazola has shown that having healthy teeth and gums increases the chances of having healthy babies, while dental disease can cause underweight pre-term babies. And men – you aren’t off the hook! We strongly suspect that not brushing your teeth regularly can exclude you from the whole pregnancy process!

6.     Prevention magazine has reported that regular brushing can help you maintain a healthy weight! Why? Brushing your teeth indicates to your brain that mealtime is over. Plus – food just doesn’t taste as good with squeaky clean teeth!

7.     Okay guys – here’s your turn. Several studies have shown that men with poor oral hygiene are at greater risk for erectile dysfunction. Scared yet???

8.     Have a heart – a healthy one that is! The American Journal of Medicine has linked dental health with heart attack risk.

So if clean teeth, fresh breath, a beautiful smile and fewer cavities aren’t enough, here are eight reasons why brushing your teeth on a regular basis can save your life! Plus let’s face it – going around with a big piece of tomato stuck between your chompers in not the most attractive look in the world!

Just as important as brushing your teeth is doing it correctly. And if you are not getting regular dental cleanings, your efforts aren’t nearly as effective.

At DeLand Smiles, we care about your dental health and your medical health too!! If you have any questions or need to make an appointment, please call us right away at (386) 736-7121. We are here to help you!!

Do You Brush Your Teeth Correctly/

Almost everybody brushes their teeth, but only one in ten people are doing it effectively!

To that, we have to say a great big “YUCK!!” Imagine if only ten percent of the population showered correctly. That would be pretty gross. But according to researchers at The University of Gothenburg, ninety percent of the population does not brush their teeth in the right way!

Don’t worry!! Your friends at DeLand Smiles are here to help you. So sit back and open wide as we present….

The Top Eight Toothbrushing Tips!

1.    Size Matters!

Many people use a large toothbrush head thinking “the bigger the better.” But you can brush just as effectively if not more so with a smaller brush, especially if you have to strain your mouth to use a larger one.

According to dental consumer advisor Dr. Richard Price, "the more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly." 

2.    It’s Good To Be A Softy!

It would seem to make sense that firmer bristles would clean your teeth better, but many times they just wind up damaging your sensitive gum tissue. The American Dental Association recommends a soft-bristled brush and we agree!

3.    Don’t Do A Rush Job!

While most people spend fifteen seconds or so per round of brushing, a full two minutes is best. And to make sure you don’t play favorites, divide your mouth into four sections (upper right, lower right, etc..) and spend thirty seconds on each.

Some electric toothbrushes actually have timers, but you don’t need to be so fancy. Find a thirty second song and sing it to yourself for each mouth quarter. Or multitask by watching TV until the full two minutes is up.

4.    What’s Your Angle?

While we typically picture toothbrushing to be a horizontal affair, that leaves out many important tooth surfaces, including the crucial area where the tooth meets the gum line. Aim your bristles at a forty-five degree angle and make sure they gently dip below the outer surface of your gums. This can get very tricky, and we recommend that you have one of the fantastic members of our dental hygiene team give you a full demonstration!

5.    It’s An Inside Job!

The inner surfaces of the teeth are often overlooked, but just because they hide from daylight doesn’t mean you should neglect them! Take the time to brush all tooth surfaces, inside and out. Oh – don’t forget your tongue either!

6.    Rinse-a-rama!

After you brush, loose bacteria are floating around in your mouth having a big old party. It’s time to finish them up with a rinse of mouthwash or even water. They’re on your toothbrush too, so it’s always a good idea to run that under the sink for a few seconds when you finish!

7.    Forced Retirement

Many people get nostalgic over their old toothbrushes, but keeping them for too long is a big mistake!! Frayed bristles can’t clean correctly, and even worse – they harbor all kinds of nasty germs. The American Dental Association suggests changing your toothbrush every three to four months – but we think that may even be too long of an interval for many. When in doubt – toss it out!

8.    And There’s One More Thing…..

Even though we are discussing toothbrushing, it just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning those tooth surfaces between your teeth – the ones that can’t be reached with a brush. Yes, that’s right – we all need to floss!! Daily flossing prevents cavities and helps to keep your gums in good shape.

At DeLand Smiles, we want you to have strong healthy teeth and gums, fresh breath and a beautiful smile!! Please call us now at 386-736-7121 to schedule an appointment, or to ask any questions about keeping your teeth and gums nice and clean! We are here for you!

Spit Won't Quit

Spit Won't Quit

No one likes to get their blood taken -- it's just not fun!!  But it's the only way that we can be tested for diabetes, anemia, cholesterol levels, and many other important health issues.  Well, that may soon be changing!

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are saying there may now be a much easier way to detect illness -- Spit!

Yes -- good old saliva contains DNA, enzymes, hormones, proteins and lots of other good stuff that are making it a great candidate for medical testing.  And best of all, it's simple and painless to collect.

Recently, trials have been done with saliva to test for heart disease risk, HIV, hormone-related diseases, children's performance in school, and even a woman's ability to have good relationships with men based on their feelings for their fathers!  (As strange as it may seem, that last one is based on levels of stress hormones found in saliva when women discuss relationship topics!!)

It's tough to even compare the ease of spitting in a cup versus having a needle poked into your vein.  As Dr. Steven Hirschfeld of The National Institutes of Health said, "We like tests that are fast, inexpensive, and can be repeated multiple times."

Saliva already has lots of jobs.  It softens food as you chew, it helps your tongue to taste things, it's the first step in digestions, and it cleans the inside of your mouth and rinses your teeth.  Most people produce one to two liters of saliva every day!!

If you feel like your mouth is always dry, be sure to let us know.  It could be caused by medications, aging, or possibly a serious medical condition.  And get prepared for the day when instead of someone saying, "please roll up your sleeve for a blood test," they simply ask you to spit in a cup!

If you have any questions about dry mouth or any other dental issues, please remember that here at DeLand Smiles, we are here for you!

Snoring - It Can Kill You!

Sure - snoring is annoying.  But can it actually be deadly?

No - this does not mean being strangled in the middle of the night by a severely annoyed spouse or partner!  But the fact is, snoring is often related to sleep apnea, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen during a night of heavy zzzzz's.

One obvious problem this causes is being tired during the day, contributing to automobile and workplace accidents.  But even worse, sleep apnea, which is experienced by 30 million Americans, has been scientifically linked to obesity, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks & diabetes.  So if that low rumbling sound that keeps the entire neighborhood awake isn't enough, now there is much more reason for concern.

But wait - it actually gets worse.  A study performed at The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine has just shown a significant link between sleep apnea and cancer, showing this condition increases the risk of cancer death by almost a factor of five!

"This is really big news," said Dr. Joseph Golish, a professor of sleep medicine with the MetroHealth System in Cleveland.  "It's the first time this has been shown, and it looks like a very solid association," he said.
There is no doubt that snoring can be much more serious than just a nighttime disturbance.  So what can you do if you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea?

Fortunately, there are many ways to have this condition treated, all the way from simple dental appliances, to surgery, to wearing nighttime contraptions that make you look (and sound) like Darth Vader!  Your dentist and physician can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

At DeLand Smiles, we would be glad to take a look and discuss your snoring issues or any other dental questions you may have.  Let's make tonight a quiet one!!

WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER?

As World Hypertension Day quickly approaches, we are forced to recognize the ill-effects of High Blood Pressure (HBP) & the importance of screening tools we have at our disposal.  HBP effects every aspect of the body…from your head to your toes…and can be fatal if left uncontrolled. 

In the dental industry, we are fortunate to see our patients at least twice per year – more than most see their primary care physician.  This allows us to regularly screen for any Blood Pressure (BP) issues and help prevent any other health issues from occurring.  Amazingly, many health problems first show symptoms in the mouth, but HBP is not one of them.  For this reason, a BP screening is provided. 

Some people think a Blood Pressure Screening is silly & doesn’t have a place in the dental office.  But here’s a true story that will hopefully change your mind—and yes, it happened recently in your town. 

A man (we’ll call him Joe) arrived at a dental office for treatment.  It was standard office protocol that BP was taken prior to any dental procedure & Joe thought it was silly to have his BP taken.  Joe’s BP was high & in an unsafe range, so the dentist advised Joe be seen by his Primary Care Physician (PCP) for a BP evaluation.  Joe was disgruntled & walked out of the dental office without treatment and decided to just go to another dental office where he could have treatment done without having to worry about someone taking his “silly” BP.  It was later found out that Joe appointed with another dental office that did not screen for BP prior to dental procedures and, unfortunately, had a heart attack in the dental chair.  Yes, a Heart Attack!

Could this event have been prevented?  Yes.  In order to understand why, we first need to understand what blood pressure and the numbers associated with it actually mean.

A Blood Pressure Screening measures the amount of pressure and stress put on the artery walls of the heart.  The higher the pressure, the more stress and work the heart has to endure, leading to a shortened life span.  (According to the American Heart Association (AHA), even a moderate increase in pressure leads to a shortened life span.)  The amount of pressure on the heart is associated with numbers—systolic and diastolic.  Simply put, the top number (systolic) tells us how hard your heart is working when it is contracting vs the bottom number (diastolic) which tells us how hard your heart is working when it is resting. 

A healthy blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 or less.  A person is considered pre-hypertensive (at risk for HBP) when the top number (systolic) is above 121-139 or the lower number (diastolic) is 80-89, and anything over 140-179 (systolic) or 100-109 (diastolic) is considered hypertensive, meaning the person has HBP and the heart is having to work harder than it should.  [If you are diabetic and your top number (systolic) is 130, then you are considered having HBP.] Any numbers greater than 180 (systolic) or 110 (diastolic) qualifies as a hypertensive crisis, according to the AHA, meaning you have severe HBP resulting in organ damage. 

So how does all of this affect your dental appointment?  Any dental service provided, whether it be a cleaning or a crown, effects your blood pressure.  If you walk into a dental office for treatment and your BP is already in the “high” range before we do anything, it will only increase once treatment begins.  Anesthesia, anticipation, pain, stress, etc all increase BP further.  And remember, according to the AHA, even a moderate increase in pressure leads to a shortened life span.

The heart is like any other muscle in the body that can become overworked & fatigued.  The difference is that the heart is your lifeline and an overworked or fatigued heart results in life-altering or fatal complications.     

So the next time your dental provider wants to screen for HBP, don’t think it’s silly & walk out of the office disgruntled like Joe—be thankful that someone is looking after your safety and health.  The ability to catch things at an early stage can prevent a lifetime of complications, or something even more fatal.

IT'S EASY BEING GREEN

Cloverleafs, Pots of Gold, Leprechauns…pretty soon everyone will be wearing something green for fear of the pinch.  Yes, I’m talking about St. Patrick’s Day…the day when everything turns green – rivers, beer, icing, etc.  So much green is packed into one of the biggest party days of the year that it made me think…what if that same thrill & excitement about being green could last all year?

OK, most of you are thinking how quickly you would tire of the color green & how the actual thrill & excitement doesn’t come from wearing the color green, but from the actual fun you have when participating in an environment that brings us all together for a common cause.  So I looked deep inside & found a way to be green all year…Environmentally Green! 

There are many ways a person can be Environmentally Green, but as a leader in my profession, I wanted to go a bit further & ensure my dental practice was also Environmentally Green – that was the tough part.  Below are just some of the ways we can help to put your mind at ease when considering how our dental office effects your environment.

1)      Digital radiography – 90% less radiation for patients & decreases harmful chemical waste

2)      CAD/CAM Cerec technology – reduces transportation emissions from laboratory transportation

3)      Steam autoclave – to reduce chemical aerosols during sterilization

4)      Cassettes for instrument processing – reduces use of many sterilization bags

5)      Garments are laundered on site – to reduce fuel consumption

6)      Appointment reminders are sent through email & text – to reduce excess paper

7)      Unused bulk elemental mercury is recycled

8)      We use only latex-free materials – to reduce patient sensitivities

9)      Appliances are Energy Star rated

10)  We reuse our dishes

11)  We carpool

12)  Oil-free compressor – to improve air quality for our patients

13)  High-efficiency HVAC System – to produce less pollution

14)  Programmable thermostats

15)  Energy efficient water heater that is insulated – to save energy

16)  Exit signs use LED lighting

17)  Computers standby or hibernate after inactivity &monitors enter sleep mode after inactivity

18)  Toner cartridges are recycled

19)  We purchase recycled ink-jet cartridges

20)  Electronic communication – to reduce paper consumption

Are there more things that we do that are not listed?  Yes. 

Are there additional things that we could be doing to be more Environmentally Green?  Yes. 

Being environmentally conscious in a healthcare environment can sometimes make you feel like Kermit, but for the most part, it is pretty easy – especially when you choose to commit to your patients, your community and your future, as we at DeLand Smiles have done.

Not bad for a St. Paddy’s Day inspiration!

NEED FOR SPEED

There are many cars on the road today—many popular makes & models that top out at speeds of 150mph or so…and then there is a class of cars that is so unique and rare that they set themselves apart  from any other cars in the industry.  This elite set of cars has over 600 horsepower & can go zero to sixty in almost 3sec or less.  This elite set includes cars such as the Aston Martin One-77 with its 7 liter – V12 engine and 750hp (only 77 made & are already sold) and the Bugatti Veyron Supersport housing a quad turbo W16 engine and 1183hp!  And yes, that number is correct!

Most people lead busy lives, have jam-packed schedules and would love to purchase a car from the elite group-- if only to speed throughout life & accomplish more in a day.  For most, the purchase is unattainable, but the experience is not…let me explain.

I recently scheduled my annual eye check-up.  Nothing too involved, just a regular check-up.  I promptly arrived 5 minutes before my scheduled appointment and saw one name ahead of me, but a room full of people.  “This can’t be good,” I thought to myself.  I had rushed from work to make the appointment in the first place, and now I was waiting...and waiting…and waiting.  They continued to call names from others in the waiting room, & I continued to wait…50 minutes!  I had another appointment, so could not continue to wait & rescheduled my appointment.  (This was the first time I had to wait so long for my eye doctor, so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt & rescheduled.)  “This can’t be happening again”, I thought to myself-- The situation reminded me of my previous medical provider who consistently kept me waiting 45mins to 1.5hrs—for routine check-ups as well!  (Needless to say, I have since changed my medical provider to one who does not keep me waiting.)

As a dental provider, we have patients and we have a reception area.  We also know the level of commitment it takes to keep our patients in a ‘reception area’ vs a ‘waiting room’.  As a dental provider, we must live by a schedule daily and because of our negative experiences with other offices, we committed 2 years ago to never keep our patients waiting.  We know & understand how valuable our patients’ time is and respect their time so much that we committed to paying our patients if they have to wait.  Yes, you read correctly…we pay our patients if they wait. 

So do we have 1183 horsepower like the Bugatti Veyron Supersport?  No.  Do we have the speed of an Aston Martin One-77?  No.  But we DO have an entire team that has committed to doing everything in our power to stay on time & respect yours.  You won’t be able to purchase a Bugatti at our office, but we will certainly provide you with a Bugatti experience…just schedule an appointment and take us for a test drive:)

A Heart to Heart

 

This time of year, many people are giving their hearts to someone else—no, there’s not an organ donor convention in town, but the symbolism of unconditional love is in the air.  Emotions are heightened with each chocolate savored, each flower received & each jewelry box opened.  We prepare our hearts for one day out of the year, but is our heart ready for the other 364 days?

Relationships aside, the heart is a pretty amazing organ.  It sustains our life, all while keeping constant rhythm.  To many, this is taken for granted and goes unnoticed, but to those with heart disease or a heart defect, they are fully aware of its lifeline of importance.

This week honors many holidays that revolve around the heart… Valentine’s Day, Women’s Heart Day, World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day & Have a Heart Day—this one is of particular importance because it focuses on being more aware of your food choices. 

We know that heart disease claims more lives than most--On average, one American dies of heart disease every 35 seconds!  So, let’s consider 5 heart-healthy tips you can implement immediately to decrease your risk of heart disease & ensure your heart is ready for another year.

Tip #1:  Floss Daily – The bacterial that causes plaque in your heart arteries is the same bacteria that causes plaque around your teeth.  Flossing breaks up the bacterial colonies so they don’t multiply as fast & helps to decrease the inflammation in both your gums & your heart. 

Tip #2:  See Your Dentist – Regular dental visits (at least twice a year) provide you with an ability to catch things early.  The visits not only include cleanings that use special instruments to decrease bacteria, but exams for oral cancer, and screenings for both tooth & gum health-- to help prevent tooth loss.  (Studies have shown that people who keep their teeth live an average of 7-10yrs longer).

Tip #3:  Create Good Eating Habits – “You are what you eat” truly applies.  If you eat foods that are mostly healthy, then you will be mostly healthy…and this rule applies to anything you consume.  (And No, if you eat a lot of sugar, it doesn’t make you sweeter!)  Talk to your doctor about revising your eating habits and create a plan that best suites you.

Tip #4:  Exercise – Organs are muscles, and the heart is no exception.  Like muscles, the only way it becomes stronger is via exercise.  Remember - everything in moderation and nothing without consulting your doctor first.  If a sports activity is of interest, consult your dental provider to see what type of mouthguard would be best.  Mouthguards not only protect teeth from injury, but can now be made to improve your strength & performance as well.

Tip #5:  Rest – For our organs to grow & function properly, we must obtain an adequate amount of rest.  For most, this amount is quantified as ~8hrs each day (ideally at night).  Rest should not only come in a physical form, but emotional & spiritual as well.  To renew ourselves as a whole, it is recommended we sleep for our physical well-being, relax for our emotional well-being & renew our spirit with a meditational, motivational, or devotional activity. 

So don’t wait …implement the 5 heart-healthy tips above and let the next 364 days be a journey of love…for yourself.. 

Not a Tool of the Trade

This week provides us with a couple of interesting days…Beer Can Appreciation Day & Peanut Brittle Day.  Over the years, we have dealt with many teeth issues involving both beer cans & peanut brittle—both of which cause similar teeth problems, but since today is actually Beer Can Appreciation Day, we thought we would take the opportunity to discuss some of these teeth issues.

Beer Can Appreciation day began in 1935 to celebrate the day the 1^st beer was sold in a can.  Beer can collectors from all over the world use this day to show off their assortment of beer cans.  Beer can collectors must also be beer enthusiasts because these cans are not unopened.  In order to preserve the integrity of the can, the beer collector carefully opens the can from the bottom, empties the contents (…into his/her mouth presumably), then keeps the can.  For those of you that are not beer can collectors, and are a little less cautious when opening your beer, we offer a bit of caution …don’t use your teeth!

For some reason, people think of their teeth as tools!  Some of our patients have used their teeth as bottle openers, scissors, flashlight holders, ice picks…and the list goes on.  All it takes is one faulty move to break or damage a tooth, both of which bring about a great deal of pain and expense.  A good rule of thumb is this—if it’s not food or drink, it doesn’t belong in your mouth (with the exception of floss & a toothbrush, of course).

So if you are a beer enthusiast, go find a great can of beer.  If you are a beer can collector, show off your collection.  Just remember, your teeth are only tools when chewing—food that is.

EAT THIS WITH CAUTION

We’re a little over half way through the first month of the year, meaning most people are well into their new years resolution(s). Many have resolved to make lifestyle changes, most of which include diet. 

I recently ran across a few articles about ways to “snack” healthier in the New Year.  Items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc, but there was one snack listed that appeared on all of the “healthy snack” lists…popcorn.

Now, don’t get me wrong…popcorn is a great snack food.  It possesses many good qualities such as dense calories, protein, vitamins & minerals.  These nutrients help to build bone, muscle, tissue & and, of course, teeth. 

Teeth are composed chiefly of calcium and phosphorous.  Popcorn supplies as much calcium as beef, potatoes & tomatoes and even more calcium than fresh liver!  It is also ahead of eggs, beef & codfish when it comes to the amount of phosphorous.  So as you can see, popcorn is very nutrient-rich & beneficial, but it also poses a serious health risk to your teeth.

There are three main issues that popcorn presents to dental professionals (& your teeth):  1)  Lactic acid, 2) Old Maids, & 3)  Husks.

Popcorn consists of carbohydrates and sugars, which combine w/ oral bacteria to result in lactic acid.  When any acid is present on the teeth for any amount of time, it begins to erode the enamel, creating a pathway for cavities.  It is important to brush your teeth within 10 minutes of eating any carb to lessen the damages of acid.  If you can’t brush, swish with water to help dilute the acid.

We are all familiar with “old maids”—the unpopped kernels that fall to the bottom of the popcorn bowl.  It only takes one bite to know you’ve hit one!  Not only can these unpopped kernels cause a crack to form in a tooth, but they are great aids at worsening cracks that have already formed.  These cracks can lead to much pain, extensive dental work & sometimes nerve damage.  So make sure to pay attention to what you are eating…especially toward the bottom of the bowl!

The last issue involves popcorn husks.  The husk is made of a hard cellulose fiber that doesn’t break down by itself over time & tends to get caught between the gum & back teeth.  If left alone, the area becomes irritated and an infection is likely to form, known as a “popcorn abscess”.  Flossing can usually dislodge the husk, but it is recommended you see a dental professional if irritation continues.

Popcorn is a healthy snack that can be thoroughly enjoyed & incorporated into a healthier lifestyle, as long as you resolve to eat it with great caution and practice good dental hygiene.

It's "Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day!"

Chemicals in Cigarettes: What They Are and How They Harm Us 

By Terry Martin, About.com Guide

[It's Cigarettes are Hazardous to your Health Day!  Believe it or not, there is actually a day to remind us how harmful cigarettes are to our health as a smoker or a non-smoker.  Terry Martin, from About.com Guide, wrote a great article about this very topic that we would like to share:]

Most smokers don't think about the chemicals in cigarettes. They think about how cigarettes help them cope with the stress of daily life, calm them down when angry, or help them to relax at the end of a long day.

The truth of the matter is that smoking does the opposite of just about everything we give it credit for. When the chemicals in cigarettes are inhaled, they put the body into a state of physical stress by sending literally thousands of poisons, toxic metals and carcinogens coursing through the bloodstream with every puff taken. And those chemicals affect everything from blood pressure and pulse rate to the health of our organs and immune system.

While researchers are still working to uncover all of the hazards cigarettes present to human life, we do know that air tainted with cigarette smoke is dangerous for anyone who breathes it -- smoker or not.

Let's take a closer look at some of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes and how they affect our health.

Chemicals in Cigarettes: Carcinogens

A carcinogen is defined as any substance that can cause or aggravate cancer. Approximately 60 of the chemicals in cigarettes are known to cause cancer.

TSNAs

Tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) are known to be some of the most potent carcinogens present in smokeless tobacco, snuff and tobacco smoke.

Benzene
Benzene can be found in pesticides and gasoline. It is present in high levels in cigarette smoke and accounts for half of all human exposure to this hazardous chemical.

Pesticides
Pesticides are used on our lawns and gardens, and inhaled into our lungs via cigarette smoke.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical used to preserve dead bodies, and is responsible for some of the nose, throat and eye irritation smokers experience when breathing in cigarette smoke.

Chemicals in Cigarettes: Toxic Metals

Toxic / heavy metals are metals and metal compounds that have the potential to harm our health when absorbed or inhaled. In very small amounts, some of these metals support life, but when taken in large amounts, can become toxic.

Arsenic
Commonly used in rat poison, arsenic finds its way into cigarette smoke through some of the pesticides that are used in tobacco farming.

Cadmium
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that is used in batteries. Smokers typically have twice as much cadmium in their bodies as nonsmokers.

Chemicals in Cigarettes: Radioactive Toxic Metals

There are a couple of toxic metals in cigarette smoke that carry an extra punch of danger for anyone breathing it in: they are radioactive.

Radioactive Cigarette Smoke
Lead-210 (Pb-210) and polonium-210 (Po-210) are poisonous, radioactive heavy metals that research has shown to be present in cigarette smoke.

Chemicals in Cigarettes: Poisons

Poison is defined as any substance that, when introduced to a living organism, causes severe physical distress or death. Science has discovered approximately 200 poisonous gases in cigarette smoke.

Ammonia
Ammonia compounds are commonly used in cleaning products and fertilizers. Ammonia is also used to boost the impact of nicotine in manufactured cigarettes.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is present in car exhaust and is lethal in very large amounts. Cigarette smoke can contain high levels of carbon monoxide.

Hydrogen Cyanide
Hydrogen cyanide was used to kill people in the gas chambers in Nazi Germany during World War II. It can be found in cigarette smoke.

Nicotine
Nicotine is a poison used in pesticides and is the addictive element in cigarettes.

A Word About Secondhand Smoke 

Also known as environmental tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke is a term used to describe cigarette smoke that comes from two sources: Smoke that is exhaled by the smoker (mainstream smoke) and smoke produced by a smouldering cigarette (sidestream smoke). Secondhand smoke is known to contain at least 250 toxic chemicals, including 50 cancer-causing chemicals. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. That means if you can smell cigarette smoke in the air, it could be harming your health.

If you smoke...

There is no time like the present to stop the madness that cigarette smoking is. You'll be rewarded with benefits beyond what you can probably imagine and they'll start to occur faster than you think. Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your body will begin to heal and improvements to your mental and physical health will continue to grow with time invested in smoking cessation.

It is never too late to quit smoking!