We all know that smoking is bad for your overall health – it can cause cancer, emphysema and heart disease, not to mention shorten your life span. But did you also know that smoking is terrible for your oral health? Smoking can lead to a wide variety of dental issues that can cause serious damage to your mouth, and your smile.
Smoking, and using other nicotine products, can lead to gum disease by interfering with gum tissue cell function. This ultimately can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease) and more serious issues like affecting the general blood flow to the gums. Gum disease often results in tooth loss, and the chances of dental implants being successful in a smoker’s mouth is much less than in a non-smoker.
In addition to gum disease, smoking, pipes, cigars and chewing tobacco can increase a person’s risk of getting leukoplakia, which are those white patches inside the mouth. Smoking and use of tobacco products can also cause a person to lose bone within the jaw. Oral cancer is also a major concern among those smoking or using tobacco products.
And while those are the big concerns of smoking, there are a number of less serious concerns that smokers should be aware of. Smoking can cause bad breath, yellow teeth, increased build up of plaque on the teeth which leads to tartar, and a delay in healing after any dental procedure.
Avoid all of these issues by putting down the cigarette and turning your attention to something more healthy and productive! If you have any questions about how smoking and other tobacco products can damage your teeth, contact a DentaLux professional today!
Photo source: Flickr
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