Smoking tobacco is already known to have many negative consequences on your health but what happens to your teeth and gums when you introduce them to tobacco?
Nicotine attaches to your teeth and sticks there like hot glue, causing an excess amount of plaque. The build-up of plaque along with the corrosive chemicals found in tobacco is a primary cause of gum disease. Smoking also weakens your immune system, making it more difficult to fight off gum disease. There is twice the risk of gum disease if you are a smoker versus a non-smoker.
As you have found out from other blogs on this site, gum disease can become so severe you could lose your teeth. How? The recession of your gum tissue transitions into bone loss and loosens areas in your mouth that are holding your teeth.
Do you want to be toothless and unable to eat and speak properly? If you answered no, then avoid the negative effects of tobacco and head to the dentist for regular appointments to keep up a healthy oral routine. Even if you can’t quit smoking, going to the dentist is important for tips and tricks on how to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. You can work on reducing your habit of puffing on those cigarettes over time.
Do you want yellow teeth and bad breath? No? Avoid smoking. Cigarette smoke is the culprit which causes both stains and smells in your mouth. How does smoking cigarettes create problems? As mentioned previously, smoking causes gum disease which leads to bad breath. Nicotine produces its own mouth odour which is quite repulsive when expelled.
Your dentist can help take care of negative smells coming from your mouth but you have to take the proper steps to avoid smelly situations as much as you can. A good place to start is to try and quit smoking. Talk to your dentist about your options.
Leuko… what? Leukoplakia is a condition that creates white or grayish patches in your mouth. Smoking is one of the most common causes of this disease. Where do these patches occur?
• Inside your cheek
• On your gums
• On your lips
• Under your tongue
Though leukoplakia typically goes away on its own, it can escalate into a severe case of oral cancer, the most dangerous and deadly oral health condition. It is important to go to the dentist where you can get checked for your level of leukoplakia and be treated if need be.
Truly a deadly condition, oral cancer has killed many people. Promptly getting treatment could save you from pain and disfigurement. If you have signs of oral cancer, go to your dentist right away because if you leave it too long it could be too late. Your dentist is often the first one to notice the beginning signs of oral cancer.
• Lump or sore in your mouth, throat or on your lips
• Difficult time chewing or swallowing
• Unexpected weight loss
• A sore or ulcer that bleeds and is unable to heal
These are just some symptoms of oral cancer and if you are a smoker, your risks of this disease are significantly increased.
Avoid deadly results by getting an oral cancer screening from your dentist as soon as possible.
Take nicotine out of your life and you can avoid many disastrous consequences. If you just can’t stop smoking, you should go to the dentist more often to keep an eye out for any negative risks.
Cambrian Dental wants to keep your mouth clean and happy so you always have a reason to smile.
