Everyone knows smoking causes lung cancer. Smoking can also cause bad breath and chronic gum problems, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Tobacco use affects the teeth’ bone attachment and soft tissue and interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells.
Smoking also results in tooth discoloration and a dulled sense of taste and smell.
- 20 percent of smokers have poor dental health, four times the rate of people who have never smoked.
- Smokers are less likely to have gone to the dentist in the past five years than non-smokers.
- More than a third of smokers have at least three dental health issues.
Smokeless tobacco products pose the same risk of mouth cancer and other oral-related problems. These products contain at least 28 chemicals shown to increase the risk of oral cancer and cancer of the throat and esophagus. By chewing tobacco, nicotine levels are higher, while snuffing delivers more nicotine than over 60 cigarettes.
Other additions like sugar, sand, and grit to smokeless tobacco products aggravate the dental problems that may be experienced via snuffing and chewing.
Initially, it was thought and assumed that since e-cigarettes are designed to release a smokeless vapor, they would be a much better alternative. Vaping may be better for non-smokers as it does not produce secondhand smoke that can be harmful. However, when the teeth and gums come into contact with nicotine, it can restrict the number of nutrients being transported to the soft tissues as a result of reduced blood flow.
Vaping can also cause gums to recede from the root of the tooth, which can pave way for a whole set of issues. Infections, rates of decays and a host of other dental issues can be accelerated the more one vapes. When it is carried on for long enough, it can even lead to the loss of teeth in extreme situations. Patients should visit the dentist for a check-up if they start to notice:
- Extreme halitosis or the presence of constant bad breath
- Redness, irritation or bleeding of the gums
- Tender and swollen gums
- Shaky teeth or a sudden loss of teeth
- Receded gum tissue
Replacing the smoke on your face with a smile today will replace illness in your life with happiness tomorrow.” – Anonymous
“Smoking and vaping leads to dry mouth, plaque accumulation, gum inflammation, teeth stains and bad breath to name a few. Smoking can further lead to oral cancer”.
– Dr. Rob Andrew
Visit Urban Smiles Family Dental and lets keep smiling.
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