Thu, Oct 24 2024
Reading time: 3 mins
You’re likely already aware that smoking is harmful to your overall health, contributing to issues such as heart disease, cancer, and reduced fertility. However, have you considered the effects smoking has on your gums, teeth, and mouth? Below are some of the impacts of smoking on oral health, along with tips to help preserve your smile.
Smoking causes teeth discolouration. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes seep into the tooth enamel (the outer protective layer), turning your teeth yellow in a short period. For heavy smokers, teeth may eventually become brown.
While tobacco stains are often difficult to remove, professional teeth whitening and stain removal treatments offered or recommended by your dentist can help address the problem.
Over 45% of adults in the UK aged 30 and above experience some form of gum disease. Smokers are more prone to developing gum disease, and smoking can quickly exacerbate conditions such as gingivitis. Periodontal disease occurs due to the build-up of bacterial plaque along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky layer that forms on the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Smoking makes it harder for your body to fight periodontal disease because it weakens the immune system. Additionally, smoking reduces the oxygen levels in your bloodstream, which slows down the healing process for damaged gums.
Moreover, smoking can mask symptoms of gum disease, making it more difficult to detect. A common sign of gum disease is bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. However, you may not notice this if you are a smoker, as nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums. For this reason, it’s crucial to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. This ensures that conditions like gum disease are detected early and treated before they worsen.
The smell of cigarette smoke can linger on your breath after smoking. Smoking may also cause dry mouth and increase the risk of gum disease, both of which can lead to bad breath, also known as halitosis.
In addition, smoking can dull your senses, reducing your ability to taste and smell.
Smokers often experience slower recovery and more discomfort after dental surgery. This is because smoking reduces blood supply and oxygen levels in the bloodstream. For instance, after tooth extraction, smokers are more likely to develop a painful condition known as ‘dry socket,’ where the tooth socket heals slowly and remains empty. Smoking can also delay healing and increase the chances of failure for dental implants.
Before undergoing any dental procedure, your dentist will review your medical history and smoking habits to assess your suitability and provide advice. You should contact your dentist immediately if you experience discomfort following treatment.
Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing mouth cancer, as tobacco in cigarettes contains carcinogens—chemicals that can alter your DNA and trigger cancer. In fact, more than 60% of mouth cancer cases are linked to smoking, making it the leading cause of the disease.
Regular dental check-ups are vital, as your dentist can spot early signs of mouth cancer. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
While these symptoms do not always indicate mouth cancer, it’s important to consult your GP or dentist if you experience any of them.
