Ways Smoking Affects Teeth and Gums

Did you know that smoking may undo all of the hard work and investment in you and your restorative dentist in Boca Raton did in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy?

The majority of people are aware of the consequences of smoking. It can cause significant medical problems, including chronic illnesses like lung cancer. However, another adverse effect of smoking isn’t as well-known: the damage it causes to your oral health.

Have you considered the effects of smoking on your lips, gums, and teeth? If you smoke, we recommend that you read more about how smoking affects your teeth and take measures to quit right now.

The Effects of Smoking on your Dental Health

Discolored Teeth

The staining of teeth induced by nicotine and tar in cigarettes, which causes teeth to look yellow, brown, or generally darker, is the most evident and visible effect on the dental health of smokers.

The quickest results come from professional teeth whitening at the dentist, which may be completed in one hour and can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades. If the patient continues to smoke and re-stain the teeth, the effect might last just a third as long as it does for non-smokers.

In addition to teeth whitening, visiting the dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned will help eliminate built-up stains, plaque, and tartar, as well as prevent further discoloration.   

Nicotine and tar can also create poor breath and discolor the tongue. There are several methods for preventing bad breath and keeping your mouth as fresh as possible.

Failure of a Dental Treatment 

When it comes to dental treatments like dental implants, smokers may have complications since the implants have a decreased probability of integrating with the jaw, resulting in additional stress, money, and time spent.

For this and many other procedures, your dentist would advise you to stop smoking before commencing, at least for the length of the procedure. This will give you the best chance of a good outcome.

Periodontal Disease 

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which irritates the gums if it reaches the gum line. This causes gum swelling, which might result in sensitivity or bleeding when brushing.    

Gum disease, if left untreated, can result in irreparable damage such as receding gums or even tooth loss since bacteria can invade the gum tissue and destroy the underlying bone that supports the teeth. 

Smoking can also cause gum disease by lowering saliva production and restricting blood supply to the teeth and surrounding gums. Saliva assists in the removal of microorganisms from the teeth that might cause gum disease. 

Oral Cancer 

Oral cancer, sometimes called mouth cancer, can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and mouth floor. Because 75% of patients with oral cancer are smokers, this is the most problematic oral health condition linked to smoking. Smokers who also consume a lot of alcohol are more likely to acquire mouth cancer. 

When it comes to oral cancer, early diagnosis is crucial for recovery. Therefore, if you see any potential signs of mouth cancer, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. 

Mouth cancer symptoms include: 

• Dentures are suddenly not fitting correctly.   
• Ulcer in the mouth or on the lips lasts longer than 7–10 days, even if they aren’t bothersome.   
• Swelling inside the mouth. 
• Patches of red or white in the mouth.

Get Your Oral Health Back in Shape with the Help of a Restorative Dentist in Boca Raton 

You’ll find the experience and technology you need at 5th Ave Dental to have your teeth feeling and looking their best. To learn more or to arrange an appointment, contact our office today!