Although smoking is a challenging habit to break, it’s also a habit that causes more harm than good. Here is a realistic look at how smoking affects your oral health.
Back in the ’50s, smoking was depicted as the “cool” thing to do, especially in the movies. Fast forward to 2020, and health professionals in every industry stress that smoking isn’t cool at all, it’s actually life-threatening. Tooth loss is one of the many negative ways that smoking impacts your oral health. Smokers often develop more tartar on their teeth than nonsmokers, which can lead to periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. Although smoking is a challenging habit to break, it’s also a habit that causes more harm than good. Here is a realistic look at how smoking affects your oral health.
Smoking Creates Tartar and Plaque
Chemicals found in tobacco products affect how saliva flows in mouth, making it much easier for bacteria to stick to teeth and gums. Bacteria-laden plaque can then develop on the tooth and gums. Unless you remove plaque daily, it can harden and turn into tartar or calculus. When tartar forms, it’s nearly impossible to remove, and you’ll need a professional dental cleaning for this to happen.
Smokers are more likely (up to three to six times more likely!) to develop gum disease. Gum disease can attack roots and cause tooth loss. Smokeless tobacco products can also cause gum tissue irritation, stained teeth and even certain types of cancer. As a result, bacteria can settle in, and your teeth can begin to decay.
Smoking Affects Blood Circulation
Smoking obstructs the normal function of gum tissue. Infections and restrictive blood flow can occur. It also slows down the recovery process in regards to dental implants, tooth extractions, or gum disease treatment. Another adverse effect that smokers may experience is their gums bleeding while brushing or flossing their teeth.
Smoking Lead to Oral Cancer
This reason is the most important reason to break a smoking habit and understand the dangers of developing a smoking habit. A high percentage of those who have mouth, lip, or throat cancer have used tobacco products. Smokers are of more of a risk to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers.
Smoking Discolors Teeth and Affects Breath
Who doesn’t want a vibrant smile and fresh smelling breath? Smoking causes tooth discoloration and bad breath. When teeth become yellow, or even brown, it affects a person’s self-esteem. The same goes for having breath that doesn’t smell pleasant.
The Bottom Line
Smoking affects your oral health adversely, and your health overall. The damaging effects are numerous, and this blog only skims the surface of the risks that smokers take. Quitting this habit may be one of the most difficult tasks at hand, but your oral health will improve, and your body will thank you in the long run.
Come to Smile Designs of Olney for All of Your Cosmetic Procedures
For your smile makeover or any other dental needs, come to Smile Designs of Olney! Book an appointment with us. Whether you want your teeth whitened, straightened, or restored altogether, we pride ourselves in quality patient care and giving you the smile makeover that you deserve. Our small, professional staff will make you feel right at home. We service the Montgomery County regions including Olney, Laytonsville, Brookville, Silver Spring, Rockville, Columbia, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Germantown, MD. Contact us at (301) 260-0700, visit us online, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.