Not many people are fully aware of the adverse effects of smoking on our teeth and gums. We all know that smoking is not good for your overall health. However, sometimes, people overlook the impact of this on our oral wellbeing. It has numerous adverse effects on our dental health. Whether it’s about gum issues or tooth loss, smoking only increases the chances of further damage and complications.
Apart from that, it also increases the chances of getting oral cancer, which can be life-threatening if not treated in the initial stage. Quitting smoking improves your entire dental wellness and reduces the chances of having multiple severe oral issues in the future. If you want to leave, you should immediately visit a dentist in Falcon to ensure your oral wellbeing. In this blog, you can find out how smoking damages and eventually destroys oral health.
How Does Smoking Affect Your Oral Health?
Approximately 43% of adults aged 65 or older who smoke have lost all their teeth, compared to 12% of non-smokers. Here are some of the effects of smoking on your dental health:
Teeth Wear Down Faster
Tiny abrasive particles found in cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, and unprocessed tobacco leaves used as cigar wrappers gradually erode dental enamel.
Fewer Dental Treatment Options
Smoking damages your mouth by increasing bacteria, irritating, and decreasing blood flow. As a result, replacing lost teeth may be more challenging. For instance, your surrounding teeth, gums, and jawbone may have weakened due to illness or decay and are not strong enough to support implants and bridges, so they may not be a viable treatment option.
Gum Disease Is Harder to Treat
Smoking impairs the function of your immune system, making it more challenging to combat gum disease-related issues if you smoke and are receiving treatment for gum disease. Additionally, smoking inhibits blood vessel formation, which slows the recovery of gum tissue following oral surgery or trauma.
More Likely to Get Sick
Smoking weakens the body’s defenses against infections, particularly those that affect the gums and mouth. Sepsis is one of the most serious conditions that can develop from a minor infection.
Higher Risk for Other Problems
Gum disease is twice as common in smokers as in non-smokers. In addition to smoking being associated with an elevated risk of 12 other cancers, smokers are 10 times more likely to acquire mouth cancer.
At The Dental Specialty Center of Falcon, we offer various dental treatments to enhance your oral health. If you are a smoker who just decided to quit and want to restore your dental well-being, then you are in the right place. Our dentist has many years of experience in this field and can offer compassionate care. We work hard to provide personalized services and professional care, so visit our dental office today. Book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards healthier teeth.
