Adult
It is common knowledge that smoking has serious health risks, but not as many people consider the effects of smoking on your teeth. Smoking can cause a number of dental problems ranging from mild to severe, and these issues can take a toll on your overall health and well-being.
Smoking & Oral Health Problems
Cigarettes have many negative effects on overall oral health and tooth appearance. The following issues are some of the most common dental health conditions experienced by smokers.
Teeth Stains
One of the most noticeable effects of smoking on the teeth is staining or discoloration. The nicotine and tar can give your teeth an unattractive yellow tinge. Although staining is not a major health concern, it is a common cosmetic complaint among smokers.
Gum Disease
People who smoke are at a much greater risk of gum disease than people who do not. If you smoke, you are more likely to experience plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. Smoking can reduce your body’s ability to fight off infections, so a small case of gum damage could progress into significant gum disease. In severe cases, gum disease can cause bone loss in your teeth and jaw.
Oral Cancer
Smoking puts you at an increased risk of developing oral or throat cancers. The American Cancer Society reports that around 90 percent of people with mouth, lip, tongue, and throat cancers use tobacco. Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products contain carcinogens, and the more you use these products, the more your mouth is exposed to the cancer-causing ingredients.
Teeth Tips for Smokers
If you are a smoker concerned about your oral health, the best thing you can do is give up cigarettes and other tobacco products. By quitting smoking, you will greatly reduce your risk of serious complications, and you will enjoy better health overall. You can also be proactive with your dental health by scheduling a teeth cleaning and dental exam with your Tamarac dentist. Oral health problems tend to progress over time, so regular dentist visits will help you catch and treat issues before they become severe.
Your dentist can perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to help to prevent cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease. Smoking poses a huge risk to your dental health but there are steps you can take to curb your nicotine cravings and kick the habit for good. By making efforts to quit smoking and scheduling regular visits to your Plantation dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, you can keep your teeth as healthy as possible.
June 4, 2021