5 Ways Smoking Affects Teeth and Gums

Smoking is bad for our teeth and gums. Their impact goes way beyond the visible. If you smoke, there will always be a risk of premature tooth loss. The habit can become a leading cause of gum problems leading to gingivitis. Not only smoking tobacco in any form whether chewing or otherwise is always harmful for the mouth. Several studies have proved in the past how smokers are more at risk for tartar and plaque than non-smokers. And you should know plaque is the root cause of a whole array of teeth and gum problems including periodontitis. So, if you really care about your oral health quit smoking today and lead a healthy life.

Here are 5 ways in which smoking affects teeth and gums -

1. Smoking can create plaque and tartar

Tobacco products are full of harmful chemicals which can easily affect saliva flow in the mouth. And when saliva flow is impacted, oral bacteria will have it easier to stick to teeth and gums. This is how plaque – the white, filmy and bacteria-laden substance – can develop along the gum line. When plaque is not removed in a timely manner, it can lead to build up of tarter which needs only a professional cleaning to get removed. This very plaque and tartar can put you at more risks for gum infections.

2. Smoking can irritate gum tissue

Those who smoke are more like to face gum irritation problem compared to those who don’t. When gums irritate, they are more likely to get weaken around teeth and when they happens bacteria find it easier it to envelop the teeth and cause decay. Clearly, decay is something you should never allow to happen as it can weaken the teeth and shake the entire foundation of your teeth. So, if you smoke your teeth will always be at risk in one way or other.

3. Smoking can affect blood circulation

Smoking is a bad habit with the potential to interfere with blood circulation. The chemicals presence in tobacco products have the potential to affect the standard function of the gum tissue leading to restricted blood flow. More so, those who smoke take more time in healing after oral surgery for procedures like dental implants or gum disease treatment. Worse still, smoking can lead to bleeding of gums easily which if not treated can cause advanced stage of gum disease.

4. Smoking leads to bad breath and discoloration

Smoking is one of causes of bad breath. The chemicals present in them are the reason why your mouth will develop bad breath. Similarly, the habit is something that can stain your teeth and cause yellowish tinge which is also one of causes behind bad breath. Those who smoke lose their natural whiteness and shining of their teeth and their pearly whites turn into yellowish due to prolonged smoking habit. So, if you care for your teeth and gums, stay away from smoking and lead a happy healthy and disease-free life.

5. Smoking can lead to oral cancer

Smoking is one of leading causes of oral cancer. In fact, the majority of people who have cancer of the mouth, lips throat are smoker or user of tobacco product. In fact, smokers are more at risk to develop cancer of the mouth than non smokers. Several studies in the past and present have shown how smoking can increase the risk of oral cancer. So, if you smoke it’s always better to get yourself screened at regular interval to keep away the risk of oral cancer. You can consult a top dentist Greenpoint for proper oral care.