We all know that smoking leads to a lot of health complications, most commonly damage to our respiratory system. However, smoking also negatively impacts our oral health.
When you smoke, you’re also damaging your teeth and gums. Here are four ways that smoking damages your oral health:
1. The build-up of plaque and tartar in your teeth.
Cigarettes and tobacco products have chemicals that affect the flow of saliva in your mouth. The lack of saliva, in turn, make it easier for bacteria to stick to your teeth and gums. Thus, leading to the formation of bacteria-laden plaque.
Plaque should be diligently cleaned daily through a thorough oral hygiene routine otherwise, it will harden into tartar or calculus which will require professional cleaning. Consistent smokers are three to six times more likely to develop periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontal disease attacks the roots of teeth ultimately causing tooth loss.
2. The development of periodontal disease.
This illness is caused by an infection of your gums and could affect your bone structure. When the disease worsens, it causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving spaces for bacteria to form leading to an infection. Smoking can lend a hand to this disease due to your bodies weakened immune system when you smoke.
3. Interference to your blood circulation.
One of the things that make smoking such a dangerous thing for your oral health is that it will disrupt the normal function of your gum tissue. It will give rise to infections by restricting your blood flow. That’s why it is also advisable to refrain from smoking after oral surgery as it delays the healing and recovery process. For smokers, they might notice their gums bleeding when they brush or floss.
4. It is one of the leading causes of oral cancer.
According to research, about 90% of those diagnosed with cancer of the throat, lips and mouth are smokers. Moreover, smokers have a significantly higher chance of contracting oral cancers than non-smokers.
5.Stained, yellow teeth and bad breath.
If you use tobacco regularly, it can lead to teeth discolouration. The amount you smoke will also affect how discoloured your teeth will be. For those who constantly smoke, professional tooth whitening might be a solution you could look into if you can’t avoid smoking.
Conclusion
It’s important for those who frequently smoke to get help from dentists or employ a diligent oral hygiene routine. At Brite Dental, we can help you take care of your teeth and protect it from the effects of smoking with our preventive dentistry. While we recommend quitting the habit, we understand that it isn’t easy. So, come and schedule a consultation with our dentist to know your dental care options!
