IS SMOKING A SILENT KILLER FOR YOUR TEETH AND GUMS
People who smoke have a higher risk of gum problems, tooth loss, complications after tooth removal and other surgeries in the mouth, and developing mouth cancer.
Smoking can cause many dental problems, including:
- Gum disease: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Signs of gum disease include red or swollen gums, but they tend to bleed less in smokers.
- Tooth loss: Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
- Tooth staining: Nicotine and tar in tobacco can stain teeth yellow or brown.
- Mouth cancer: Smoking is one of the main causes of mouth cancer.
- Bad breath: Smoking can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis.
- Decreased taste: Smoking can decrease your sense of taste.
- Slow healing: Smoking can slow healing after tooth removal, periodontal treatment, or other oral surgeries.
- Jawbone loss: Smoking can cause the jawbone to lose density and recede, which can lead to tooth loss.
- Salivary gland inflammation: Smoking can cause the salivary glands to become inflamed, which can lead to a dry mouth.
- Lower success rate of dental implants: Smoking can lower the success rate of dental implants by slowing down its healing phase.
It is very important for people who smoke to visit their dentist regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy check for signs of mouth cancer and also talk about ways of quitting smoking.
Come visit us and get a consult at Precious 32 Dental, which has been awarded “THE BEST NEW DENTAL CLINIC OF THE YEAR 2023”.
