Second hand smoke and tooth decay: According to a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, children exposed to second hand smoke have higher rates of tooth decay than those who are not.

Smoking and Dental Implants: Research recently published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that after a 5 year period, 15.8% of implants failed in smokers where only 1.4% of implants failed in non-smokers. People who smoke are at greater risk of infection following surgery and may heal more slowly.

FOSAMAX and dentistry: The use of Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva and other bisphosphonate drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis can cause severe bone infections (osteonecrosis) following dental surgery. Procedures at particular risk include extractions, root canal therapy, periodontal surgery and implant surgery. The half-life of these drugs is 7-10 years. So patients who have taken bisphosphonate drugs and have discontinued its use are still at risk for this severe bone infection following dental procedures. There seems to be an indication that this problem is related to IV administration of these drugs rather than the oral route of administration. However, there needs to be more studies to determine the risks.