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Dentistry/Tooth discoloration... smoker

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Expert: - 7/12/2006


Question
I have been smoking since a teenager and have always had brown spots on the inner side of my bottom two front teeth.  I have also noticed a light brown tint developing on the top of my two front ones and creeping downward a bit.  I was under the impression these were stains from smoking but I am also worried it might be tooth decay... I can't tell the difference.  I have good oral hygiene and have never had a cavity.  The previously mentioned inner brown spots on the bottom have been seen by a dentist before and he said nothing except for suggesting a tooth cleaning, though I did not ask about it in particular.  What are the odds?  And regardless, is there anyway I can minimize or eliminate nicotine stains if that's what they are aside from quit smoking?

Answer
Dear Jeremy:  First, visit your dentist. I certainly can't tell from here if your teeth are becoming decayed.  And because you smoke, you are much more likely to get gum disease, which will need treatment.  You probably just need a hefty cleaning to get rid of the stains.  And an exam to be sure you have no decay.  If you want to mask the stains, try any of the bleaching products available to you.  My preference is by Crest, as I have seen results.  But don't let this fool you into not going to your dentist.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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