How Does Smoking Affect Your Oral Health?

March 11th is National No Smoking Day. This holiday is a great time to consider the many reasons you have been putting off stopping smoking, and perhaps even making the decision to quit altogether.

As healthcare professionals, we strongly encourage you to put your wellbeing first and kick the habit. While you are likely aware of the harmful effects of smoking on your general health, many are uninformed about how smoking negatively impacts your gums and teeth.

Skip to:

• How does smoking affect your oral health?
• Is vaping harmful to oral health?
• Signs of oral health problems to watch out for
• Smoker’s mouth: Treatment options

How does smoking affect your oral health?

Thanks to the tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and other dangerous substances found in cigarettes, smoking significantly damages your oral health. We have listed the biggest risks below.

Oral diseases

Mouth and throat cancers are life-threatening diseases caused by smoking. According to the Oral Health Foundation, when compared to individuals who have never smoked, smoking tobacco increases your risk of developing mouth cancer by up to ten times (1).

Another oral health condition caused by this habit is gum disease. You are twice as likely to suffer from this painful disease if you smoke (compared to someone who doesn’t) (2).

Tooth loss

Smoking supports the growth of bacteria, as well as a build-up of plaque and tartar. If left untreated, this may lead to tooth decay, cavities and, in some cases, tooth loss. This risk increases the more cigarettes you smoke.

Discolouration

Discolouration is another side effect of smoking. This is due to the staining abilities of nicotine and tar, which cling to the teeth and absorb into the pores of the enamel. Smoking can leave teeth yellow, brown or black in colour.

Delayed healing

If you smoke continuously, there is a chance of reduced blood flow. Consequently, your mouth’s ability to heal is seriously impaired, and the risk of infection developing is enhanced. This reduced blood flow may also contribute to gum disease.

Gum recession

Saliva plays an essential role in your oral health, helping to protect against tooth decay, strengthen the enamel and aid digestion. Smoking lessens saliva production, an action that damages the gums over time.

The aforementioned consequences are not the only side effects you may experience. This habit can also contribute to:

• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Gum inflammation
• Mouth sores and ulcers
• Dry, cracked lips
• Complications and/or failure of certain dental treatments, for example, dental implants

Is vaping harmful to oral health?

While it is often advertised as the ‘healthier’ alternative to cigarettes, vaping can be just as harmful to your oral health, and is certainly not risk-free.

Vapes typically contain nicotine and chemical additives such as vegetable glycerin. These ingredients cling to your teeth and cause a number of issues, including a build-up of plaque, tooth discolouration, cavities and gum disease.

Vaping liquids also contain high levels of sugar and acidic flavourings. Similar to certain foods, this liquid attacks the enamel and contributes to irreversible damage, such as decay and enamel erosion.

Signs of oral health problems to watch out for

If you smoke, it is vital that you remain vigilant for early signs of dental problems. This can prevent the problem from worsening and save you money in the long run. In addition to this, early detection is key for conditions like oral cancer or gum disease.

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Sores and ulcers that do not heal
• Loose, wobbly teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Changes in your bite
• A decreased ability to smell or taste

If you are experiencing any of these side effects, please contact your dentist or GP as soon as possible.

Smoker’s mouth: Treatment options

You have a wide range of dental treatments to choose from to restore the healthy, vibrant smile you once had.

Many dentists do not offer certain procedures (such as dental implants) to smokers as it can lead to complications. For the following to be the most effective and long lasting, we advise quitting the habit first.

In some cases, Yorkshire Dental Suite provides the aforementioned treatments to smokers. Contact one of our private dental clinics today to find out more.

Conclusion:

Take this article as a sign to finally put yourself first and stop smoking. If this habit has left you feeling self-conscious about your oral health or the condition of your teeth, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite. We will give you back the smile you deserve.

References:

(1)   https://www.dentalhealth.org/mouth-cancer-risk-factors

(2)   https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html#one