Smoking And Oral Health

We all know that smoking is bad for our health. It can cause lung cancer, increased risk for diabetes, and other health problems but are you aware of the damage that smoking can do to your mouth?

It goes beyond just bad breath and yellow teeth. Smoking can cause a number of oral health problems that can have a major impact on your health. Smoking interferes with the normal function of the cells in gum tissue so they may be more prone to dental complications.

Including:

-Increased build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can increase cavity risk.

-Bone loss within the jaw.

-Increased risk of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss.

-Higher risk of developing oral cancer.

-Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth.

All of these risk factors can come together to complicate dental care. Smoking not only increases the risk of tooth loss but if that tooth needs to be replaced with a dental implant the bone loss from smoking may mean that the implant has a smaller chance of success. And because smoking delays the healing process any tooth extractions, periodontal treatments or oral surgery will have a prolonged recovery time.

The effects of tobacco can be reduced if a smoker gives up the habit. Eleven years after quitting former smokers risk of having gum disease is about the same as someone who never smoked. So see your doctor for recommendations of smoking cessation programs and kick the habit.