How Do Cigarettes Affect the Health of Your Teeth?

Generally, People smoke for various reasons such as stress relief, pleasure, or in social situations. Most of them didn't expect to become victims of smoking addiction, but they did. And it is hard to stop. 

Smoking cigarettes does not do good for our body. However, some do not realize smoking affects our oral health too.

The Effects of Smoking on Oral Health

The habit of smoking exposes teeth to nicotine and tobacco. They restrict the blood flow, which in turn affects the natural ability to fight infection and leads to oral issues. As a result, there are several ways how smoking can affect your dental health.

• Tooth discoloration
• Bad breath
• Weakened immune system
• Increased risk of developing gum and periodontal disease
• Increased failure rate of the dental implant procedure
• Increased risk of developing oral cancer
• Increased chances of losing the bone within the jaw
• Increased bacterial infection resulting in plaque and tartar buildup 
• Delayed healing process following oral surgeries
• Development of mouth sores and ulcers
• Increased risk of cavities and eventually tooth loss

Oral Hygiene Tips for Smokers

If you have a smoker's mouth, bacteria can find a favorable place there to flourish and multiply. Quitting smoking is the best way to keep oral health in top condition. If you are not able to come out of it, improve your oral hygiene as best you can.

• Brush at least twice a day
• Floss everyday
• Use antiseptic mouthwash and tongue scrapers
• Schedule regular dental visits
• Schedule professional dental cleaning
• Seek medical assistance if you notice irregular sensitivity

Regular dental visits are a great opportunity for smokers to check for signs of oral cancer as they are at higher risk. Treatment is more successful when the signs of oral issues are caught early.

Quit Smoking: Get the Healthier Teeth Again

Quitting smoking is a hard task to consider if you are a chain smoker. Don't get disappointed. There are several successful cases who quit smoking and enjoy the health benefits as well.

Cigarette smokers with oral issues experience great improvement when they quit the habit. Once you quit the habit, the risk for developing oral cancer and other periodontal disorders lowers to the normal level as non-smokers.

If you need a closer look to ensure whether your teeth and gums are still healthy in spite of cigarette smoking, reach our office at Stonewall Dental Associates, 8719 Stonewall Rd, Manassas, VA 20110. Call us at (703) 368-1000 to book an appointment.