Smoking can have some detrimental effects on your oral health.
Smoking can affect one’s overall health considerably, and it can also cause some serious oral health-related problems. When you smoke, the teeth are exposed to tobacco and nicotine, both of which can cause stains and bad breath. The habit can also affect one’s ability to taste, increase one’s risk of gum disease, and contribute to serious health conditions like oral cancer. Read on to find out more about the effect of smoking on your oral health, and why it is advisable that you quit the habit…
1. Smoking has been linked to gum disease
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use affect the way in which the bones and soft tissues attach to the teeth. In fact, some studies suggest that smoking can disrupt the proper function of the gum tissue, making smokers more prone to infections like gum disease. The habit also affects blood flow to the gums, which can delay wound healing.
The nicotine in cigarettes also reduces saliva production, which dries out the mouth and makes it easier for plaque and tartar to build up in the mouth. For this reason, smokers tend to have more tartar in their mouths than those who don’t smoke, which increases the risk of gum disease.
2. Smoking stains the teeth
Both tobacco and nicotine can cause surface stains on the teeth, as well as yellowing. Although the teeth appear smooth, they are actually porous. Substances like nicotine and tar are easily absorbed into these tiny pores and can cause the teeth to discolour over time. Tobacco stains can be difficult to remove from the surface of the teeth, especially if they have accumulated over many years. Over time, stains can settle deep into the enamel and will need to be resolved with a professional whitening treatment.
3. Smoking causes bad breath
Another common side-effect of smoking is bad breath. This can be caused by a dry mouth as a result of decreased saliva production. In some cases, bad breath can be caused by the early stages of gum disease. You may find it helpful to chew on sugar-free gum or rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash in order to freshen your breath after smoking. Regular dental cleanings can also be effective in keeping gum disease and bad breath at bad. Ultimately though, the best way to address the issue is to cut back on the habit or to stop smoking altogether. If you don’t know where to begin, chat to a healthcare practitioner who can help you find sustainable ways to quit smoking and improve your health.
How can we help?
At Lara Smile Group, we care about the condition of our patients’ smiles. We encourage all of our patients to live a healthy lifestyle and to take care of the teeth and gums every day. If you are a smoker and are concerned about the habit’s impact on your oral health, we urge you to come in and see us. We will let you know what can be done to improve your overall health, and will provide you with the information you need to quit smoking for the sake of your smile.
Whether you are a smoker or not, we encourage you to practice proper oral hygiene habits and to take advantage of our preventative dentistry services. We have created a relaxed and friendly environment at our practice so that you feel comfortable throughout your time with us.
Some of the services that we provide include general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, as well as orthodontic treatments. To find out about the full range of treatments that we provide at Lara Smile Group, please have a look here. To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on 03 5282 1681.