Title

Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Smoking Major Risk Factor for Periodontal Disease

Hillary
Does Blenko plan to make ashtrays in the near future? We are starting a collection, of ash tray and cigarette cigar lighters from American makers, not pressed but hand blown.
In my last visit to Blenko Glass, I noticed a good number of men smoking tobacco. Is this common amongst glassblowers? Does Blenko have any tobacco free zones?
I also noticed the restaurant workers and hotel workers seem to have bad teeth. Is there no state wide education program in your state?
Geog D.
Geog,
Blenko no longer makes ash trays or cigarette lighters. Now to address your other comments:
Mr. WH Blenko encourages all employees to live and enjoy a tobacco free life.
You neglected to say how much you enjoyed your visit to our State, I hope your hotel and restaurant were satisfactory. My friend Kathy Elkins from WV Health Dept states, "WV has the 3rd highest number of smokers'. Geog your observation was good. We (State of WV) are trying to improve.
http://www.wvdtp.org/ has implemented a very successful Stop Smoking program.
Delta Dental http://www.deltadental.com/
(WV primary dental insurance carrier ) had the following to say about Tobacco use in West Virginia.

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for periodontal disease. A smoker's risk of developing periodontal disease is increased anywhere from 2 to 10 percent, depending on the amount that person smokes.
 A person’s genetics can amplify or reduce the severity of periodontal disease. High production levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) – which indicate that people may be more susceptible to severe periodontal disease – run in families. A genetic test now can determine if a person has this genetic marker, and this knowledge could provide further information about a patient's prognosis.
 Eighteen percent of all pre-term, low-birth-weight births may be attributable to periodontal disease.
 People with severe periodontal disease may be twice as likely to have the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries as those with good oral health.
 People with severe periodontitis may be more than six times as likely to have poor glycemic control as those without periodontal disease.
 Decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis appear to be related to tooth loss. Hormone replacement there

The Public Health Corp website states: http://www.usphs.gov/
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for periodontal disease. A smoker's risk of developing periodontal disease is increased anywhere from 2 to 10 percent, depending on the amount that person smokes.
 A person’s genetics can amplify or reduce the severity of periodontal disease. High production levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) – which indicate that people may be more susceptible to severe periodontal disease – run in families. A genetic test now can determine if a person has this genetic marker, and this knowledge could provide further information about a patient's prognosis.
 Eighteen percent of all pre-term, low-birth-weight births may be attributable to periodontal disease.
 People with severe periodontal disease may be twice as likely to have the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries as those with good oral health.
 People with severe periodontitis may be more than six times as likely to have poor glycemic control as those without periodontal disease.
 Decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis appear to be related to tooth loss.
Geog
We know there is a problem. Its a national problem.
Thank you for the opportunity to bring awareness to the need for a tobacco free WV and the need for affordable dental care for everyone.
Good Luck with your collection of ash trays and lighters.
HJH

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

A man can't even read a blog without somone wanting to take away his cigarettes.
Next it'll be the sugar, the bacon, and gravy. I don't believe a connection exist for cigaret smoking and cancer or bad teeth.
Sam T.

Anonymous said...

No such thing as affordable dental care.

susan said...

Sam
You are ignorant and I bet you don't collect glass, you come only for the pictures.
Hilary
Does it feel good to respond to a question about dentistry? Have you considered a career with CDC or teaching? I ask only as it seems you enjoy answering questions, researching. All necessary for dental/ medical educator.

Anonymous said...

Geog
WV gets a bad wrap for obesity and smoking etc.
People make bad choices, in all locations.
Thank you Hilary for more info than I would ever want to learn about relationship between smoke and teeth.
My recommendation would be Geor if a WV lady is your fancy then pay for cosmetic dental work if you can't get her to stop smoking.

Anonymous said...

Hilly,
You speak with such authority
I want you to be my dentist.
Sol

steven crawford said...

Not only smorking increases periodontal disease but also cancers of all forms. Why is it people could not get that.