Contrary to popular belief, oral health is greatly affected by smoking. Research from the Academy of General Dentistry purports that a pack of cigarettes that is smoked daily causes about two lost teeth every decade. Smokers must understand the impacts of smoking on their teeth so that they can start thinking about quitting the habit. Other factors are involved, but the culprits are nicotine and tobacco, which cause serious damage to beautiful smiles. Whether chewed or smoked, nicotine tends to stain the enamel of teeth, hence causing dental and health problems. Continuous smoking will eventually darken the teeth, leading to the persistence of stains. If ignored, these lead to severe oral health complications in the long run. Hence, most patients with dental issues look for Livermore dentist for better and more reliable treatment.
Oral Diseases Caused Due To Smoking
- Constant Smoking’s Effects on Teeth: Smoking directly affects external factors of teeth and causes stains that discolor teeth. Tar and nicotine in cigarette smoke stain teeth and produce unpleasant yellow or brown discoloration. Usually, the fronts of the teeth that are more exposed while smoking tend to have stains.
- Halitosis and Smoking: Bad halitosis is another problem that bothers nearly all smokers. Cigarette smoke contains large amounts of chemicals that can be stored in one’s mouth or lungs. With these poisons holding, a bad smell is produced that refuses to go away despite brushing frequently or using mouthwash.
- Smoking and Gum Infection: Smokers are at particular risk for periodontal disease. They are also prone to many general diseases that may also impact oral health. This is due to their detrimental effects on the immune system, salivary glands, and gingival structure.
- Smokers and Tooth Cavities: Smokers are also more likely to develop cavities, and the reason may be that the chemicals in tobacco smoke directly affect the enamel surface of teeth, making them weak and soft and increasing their susceptibility to decay. It is well-known that smoking adversely affects salivary secretions. It results in mouth dryness and other ill effects related to lessening the saliva available for neutralizing acids and protecting teeth.
- Healing From Diseases: Smokers undergoing surgery or dental treatment take more time to heal. Smoking reduces blood circulation to the gums, thereby promoting the slow regeneration of body tissues. This habit is also infamous for its negative impact on the immune system.
Gum Diseases Caused By Smoking
Periodontal disease is an infectious disease in which the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth is destroyed. Dental plaque is bacteria and food debris that causes sullenness. The superior portion of the gingivae sinks with plaque, and if it remains there long enough, tartar or calculus begins to form on the teeth and gums. This produces irritation around the teeth. Such problems occur commonly among smokers.
The condition progresses as follows: The first is gingivitis, while the second is periodontitis. Without treatment, the destruction will deepen beneath the tissues holding the teeth to the gums.
Conclusion
Smoking and tobacco create great havoc. They ruin one’s health. The damage is wide-ranging, from bright teeth stains and bad breath to serious long-term issues like gingivitis and even tooth loss or mouth cancer. However, strong research shows the advantages of quitting smoking: better gum health, better outcomes in dental treatments, and reduced chances of acquiring oral cancer. A person who quits smoking can attain at least that state at which oral health seems more beautiful, and thus, life itself also becomes more beautiful. As the article has illustrated, quitting smoking has many benefits, from better oral health to a healthier body. So, think of achieving a brighter smile as the motivation to quit smoking today!
