SIDE EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Smoking is a common practice across the world. We know that smoking can lead to heart problems, cancer, debilitating lung diseases, death, and many other health conditions, yet millions of people struggle to quit. Knowing the health risks of smoking, it is not surprising to learn that smoking can have a detrimental effect on your oral health, as well.

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and even vaping all lead to a greater risk of developing gum disease, severe tooth decay, bad breath, tooth discoloration, and other dental issues.

Side Effects of Smoking on Your Oral Health

The effects of smoking on your oral health can be significant and varied. Some common examples include the following:

  • Staining/Discoloration
  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Disease
  • Tooth Decay
  • Tooth Loss
  • Oral Cancer
  • Decreased Sense of Taste and Smell

Smoking and tobacco products are known for staining teeth, turning them yellow and even brown over time. This is because nicotine builds up in the mouth and collects on the surfaces of teeth. If smokers cannot quit, they should undergo frequent professional dental cleanings to prevent severe staining.

Unsurprisingly, smoking also leads to bad breath, and impacts the abilities to taste and smell. This is because smoking damages mucous membranes and impairs sensory recognition.

Those who smoke are also much more likely to suffer from gum disease than those who do not, and the longer a person smokes, the more this risk increases. Smoking weakens the immune system, and therefore inhibits the body’s natural ability to fight germs. This allows bacteria in the mouth to linger and cause extensive damage to teeth and gum tissue.

Gum disease can cause gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, tooth loss, receding gums, delayed healing, and even damage to the jaw bone.

Smoking has also been linked to oral cancer. Oral cancer, also known as jaw cancer, is difficult to treat, and can affect any tissue near or within the mouth area, such as lips, throat, sinuses, tongue, etc. Oral cancer screenings can help protect patients.

Dentist Near Bloomingdale, IL

Quitting smoking is difficult, but knowing how much avoiding smoking can improve your oral health is a wonderful motivator.

If you are searching for a reliable dentist close to Bloomingdale, IL, who can help you work towards a healthier lifestyle, and provide you with quality dental care, look no further than Pure Dental Spa. Contact our Bloomingdale dental office today.

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