|
Posted on 1/15/2020 by Dick Hikade, DDS |
 All of us know that smoking cigarettes is bad for your overall health. Not only can it cause or exacerbate health conditions, it also takes a toll on your oral health. A smoker's teeth will develop more tartar than a non-smoker's, which can lead to gum disease, among other oral health problems. In order to maintain your oral health as effectively as possible, smoking shouldn't be an obstacle your teeth and gums have to overcome. Here are some of the ways that smoking can affect your oral health. How Smoking Affects Your Teeth and GumsThose who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque that can lead to gum disease. Smoking affects the gums by reducing oxygen in the bloodstream, delaying the healing process. Smokers also tend to experience worsening symptoms more quickly than non-smokers. It is important to take this into consideration because gum disease is the most prevalent cause of tooth loss in adults. In addition, smoking stains your teeth very quickly, with many heavy smokers reporting that their teeth are almost completely brown after smoking for many years.How Can I Recover My Oral Health?Although there are toothpastes made for smokers, the only way to prevent smoking from staining your teeth or making you lose them is to quit smoking altogether. Toothpaste for smokers will be more abrasive than would normally be recommended for brushing. In addition, smokers tend to have bad breath, and mouthwash is just a temporary fix. Instead, your best bet is to consult with your dental team to devise a plan for recovering your oral health.Professional dental care can provide a thorough examination to detect any oral health issues and may be able to point you in the right direction for self-help groups to help you quit. Until your smoking has stopped, dental procedures will only mask the damage for a limited amount of time. Contact our office for more information about how we can help you improve your oral health. |
