- Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and disease and impacts oral health.
- Smokeless tobacco also carries many of the same risks as smoking cigarettes.
- Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reverse the damage caused by tobacco.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine as prevention and treatment.
- Talk to your dentist about what treatment is best for you.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide, and it significantly impacts oral health. Smoking can cause many dental issues, from tooth discoloration to gum disease. Let’s see why smoking is bad for oral health and the steps you can take to prevent or reverse the damage.
How does smoking affect gums and teeth?
Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide, and it profoundly affects oral health. It can cause various dental issues, from discoloration to gum disease. Since tobacco passes through orally, the chemicals in nicotine and tar are absorbed into the mouth’s gums, teeth, and other tissues. Here are some common ways how smoking affects gums and teeth.
Bad Breath
Smoking is a major cause of bad breath, and this is due to the chemicals that are released into the mouth when smoking. Nicotine and tar are both highly toxic components of tobacco smoke, and they can cause the oral environment to become incredibly dry. This leads to increased production of bacteria, which can contribute to an increase in bad breath.
Increased Vulnerability to Infections
Smoking also makes it harder for your body to fight off infections, including infections in your mouth. That means your dental work may not heal properly if you continue to smoke. Not only does it make it harder for your body to fight off infection, but it also makes you more vulnerable to developing infections in your mouth. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, which can compromise the immune system and oral health. Additionally, toxins from smoking can slow down the healing process and make it harder for your body to repair damaged tissue.
Receding Gums
Smoking can negatively affect the gums, including receding gums and increased infection risk. Receding gums are when your gums shrink away from your teeth. This can happen if you smoke because the chemicals from the smoke get in your mouth and make your gums dry. This can cause germs to grow and make it difficult for your body to heal itself.
What about smokeless tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco, also known as spit or chew tobacco, is a form of nicotine-containing product that does not involve inhaling smoke. Smokeless tobacco can come in various forms, including chewing tobacco, snuff, and sinus. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, it still poses many of the same risks to oral health.
Smokeless tobacco can cause gum diseases such as periodontal disease, canker sores, and tooth discoloration. It also has a higher risk of developing oral cancer than smoking cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco use is associated with increased plaque buildup on teeth, which can lead to decay and cavities and damage your gums.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment and prevention are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to protect your teeth and gums from damage caused by tobacco, but there are other steps you can take to help reverse or prevent any existing damage. With proper care and treatment, smokers can maintain a healthy mouth even after years of use.
Dental Surgery and Treatments
Talk to your dentist about any treatment options that may help repair any damage that has already been done. Depending on how long you have been smoking and what kind of damage has occurred, various treatments can help restore some of the lost function and aesthetics of your teeth or gums. Some dental treatments and procedures include:
- Dental implants: Dental implant surgeries can be a great way to restore dental function and aesthetics lost due to smoking. An implant is a metal post inserted into the jawbone, which replaces missing teeth, allowing for a full smile. They are an ideal solution for those who have been smoking for an extended period and have experienced gum recession or tooth loss.
- Gum grafting: Gum grafting can help to rebuild lost gum tissue that has receded due to smoking and restore the aesthetics of your smile. It involves taking a thin layer of tissue from another part of the mouth and using it to cover any exposed roots or teeth.
- Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is a commonly used treatment to help restore the white color of teeth that have become discolored or yellowed due to smoking. It is an effective way to improve your smile, and it can be done in several ways, including at-home whitening kits or professional treatments from your dentist.
Oral Hygiene Routine
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing the effects of smoking or other tobacco use on your teeth and gums. With these simple steps, you can keep your smile looking its best while protecting yourself from any potential dental issues caused by tobacco use.
- Brush your teeth twice daily, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily to remove any plaque or food particles that have accumulated between the teeth
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and keep the mouth clean
- Quit smoking and avoiding other forms of tobacco use, such as smokeless tobacco
- Visit the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups
Smoking is one of the most common reasons for poor oral health today; it increases our risk of developing a host of dental problems ranging from bad breath to tooth discoloration and even oral cancer. Fortunately, there are steps we can take right away that can help minimize these risks or even reverse some of the damage that has already been done by tobacco use over time. If you are a smoker who wants better oral health, then now is the time to start taking action—quit smoking today and talk with your dentist about what treatments are best for you to get back on track towards better overall health.