Did you know that half of periodontal (gum) disease in smokers is caused by smoking? And chronic gum disease can lead to the loss of your pearly whites and your million-dollar smile!
Smoking, in general, is bad for your oral health, whether it’s with regular cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. Products with tobacco in it can cause bad breath, but that’s only the beginning.
Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection in the dental plaque that forms in the pockets around your teeth. This infection will then destroy the soft tissue and bone anchoring your teeth to your jawbones.
At first, you may notice the bleeding in your gums when you brush or floss. As the infection worsens, your gums start to break down and pull away from your teeth, forming pockets. These pockets will deepen as more of the supporting structures are destroyed. As a result, your teeth may become loose, painful, and may even fall out.
Smoking affects your gums and teeth
Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Smoking tobacco causes a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream, leading to the inability of infected gums to heal. This situation normally progresses faster for smokers than for non-smokers.
Smoking stains your teeth
This is caused by the tar and nicotine in the cigarettes. Smoking turns your teeth yellow in a short period of time and those who have smoked for many years often complain about how brown their teeth look. This is due to the staining from tobacco.
Smoking increases the risk of developing cancer
Approximately 90% of people with mouth, tongue, lips or throat cancer is using or have used tobacco. The risk of developing these cancers is significantly higher for smokers compared to non-smokers. If you notice anything suspicious in your mouth, you should see your dentist.
Needless to say, the best way to avoiding contact with oral cancer is to kick the habit. Your breath will smell fresher and your teeth will look better. Your overall health should start to improve, including your sense of smell and taste. Breathing becomes easier and you even spare the lives of your friends who were subjected to second-hand or passive smoking just by hanging out with you.
It is crucial that you take your dentist’s advice and visit them as often as they’ve advised you. The dentist will check your teeth, cheeks, tongue, and soft tissues. So, any changes in the mouth can be picked up early.