Effects of Smoking on Oral Health

If it’s the smoke from burning leaves or barbeque, but if they smoke from cigarettes, it’s not so fantastic. People are well aware of how smoking impacts their overall and dental health. And even though the number of people who smoke decreases, there are many smoke-related deaths each year.

However, most people don’t think of how smoking affects oral health negatively. It doesn’t only cause bad breath or stained teeth; it goes beyond that.

How Smoking Affects Teeth and Oral Cavity

The several ways that smoking affects a person’s oral health are not a small list; rather, it’s a solemn one. If you happen to be a smoker, parts of the list below are obvious, and some are alarming:

Bad breath, stained teeth, loss of taste and smell: Smoking can singe a person’s sense of taste and smell. Also, cigarette tar can discolor your tongue, stain teeth and lead to halitosis.

Periodontal and gum disease: A smoker is likely to experience gum disease twice likely as a person who doesn’t smoke.

Weakened immune system: A person who smokes has a compromised immune system that leads to weakened defenses against dental diseases and longer recovery from oral surgical procedures.

Tooth loss and decay: Smoking supports plaque bacteria and tartar buildup, leading to decay cavities and tooth loss.

Gum recession: If you are a smoker and develop gum disease, you’ll experience receding gums that expose the margins of your crown. This might bring difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene and change the aesthetic appearance of your crowns.

Mouth ulcers and sores: These common dental health issues are much more prevalent if you are a smoker.

Oral cancer: There are harmful chemicals found in cigars, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco that, if exposed to, will cause mutations in the healthy cells of the throat and mouth. This increases the risk of developing oral cancer, which is serious and challenging to treat.

Steps one can take to Quit Smoking

It takes commitment, hard work, willpower and accountability to quit smoking. Our clinic offers knowledge on quitting smoking, including strategies, tips, maintenance and oral care. Our specialists also provide a practical five-step plan to stop:

• Get ready. We should set a date to quit.
• Plan on your support system. Try utilizing your family, friends and health professionals to help you along the way.
• Create distractions. When the urge to smoke arises, try shifting your focus to something else, such as a hobby or exercise.
• Medicate as necessary. Try speaking with your doctor about the benefits of using over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
• Prepare for setbacks. Setbacks always happen; you should own them and walk to overcome slip-ups and keep pushing.

Are there Special Dental Products One Can Use?

There are special toothpaste installs for people who smoke. These kinds of toothpaste can be more abrasive than normal toothpaste, and one should use them with care. Your dentist at Westbrook Village Dental might recommend that you use kinds of toothpaste alternately with their ordinary toothpaste.

Also, there are several teeth-whitening kinds of toothpaste on the market. Although they don’t affect your natural teeth’s color, they are effective at removing staining and improving the overall appearance of your teeth.

Can I Use Mouthwash?

Bad breath is more common in people who smoke than non-smokers. Fresh bread products such as mouthwashes help disguise the issue in the short term but won’t cure it.

How Often should One Visit the Dentist?

It’s important to visit a dentist in Peoria regularly for a normal checkup and a mouth examination to discover any condition as early as possible.

However, people who smoke are likely to have stained teeth and need more appointments with their dentist.

What Will the Dentist do for Me?

Your dentist performs her regular examination to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. They will also examine your tongue, cheeks and throat to look for signs of other mild conditions that might need more investigation.

The dentist might also put you in touch with self-help groups and organizations that will help you stop smoking.

Also, they might refer you to a dental hygienist for extra treatment by closely checking your dental health and cleaning your teeth. Your dental hygienist will advise you on how often you should visit them.