By now it is more than known to all that tobacco is one of the greatest threats to public health and it is no less so for our oral health. The teeth of smoking are the first indication of the problems that can lead to this habit for aesthetics and especially for the health of our smile.

Smoking

The main component of tobacco is nicotine, a highly addictive psychoactive ingredient. In addition, its combustion produces very dangerous components for the body. Although its consumption is decreasing, it is the direct cause of the death of 7 million people and more than a million passive smokers a year, according to the WHO. It is one of the main risk factors for several chronic diseases, such as cancer and lung and cardiovascular diseases. Ask your silverton dentist to cure the diseases that results in smoking. In the case of oral health, tobacco can cause or aggravate diseases such as:

  • Periodontitis and tooth loss
  • Smoker’s melanosis
  • Halitosis
  • Alterations in the teeth
  • Oral diseases caused by tobacco

Smoker teeth

Smoker’s teeth are exposed to tobacco and nicotine. As a result, the teeth are likely to become yellow, stained, and bad breath to appear. Also, the more you smoke, the more your sense of taste will be affected. The nicotine and tar in tobacco smoke can cause yellow or stained teeth and can affect self-esteem . Brushing your teeth several times a day is one way to improve your appearance. This not only prevents blemishes, but it also protects against gum disease.

It also helps to choose a toothpaste designed to fight stains on the teeth of people who smoke. Teeth cleanings and whitening are the main treatments for tooth staining.

Gum disease and periodontitis

Tobacco increases the chance of developing gum disease. This disease, also called periodontal disease , is an infection that affects the gums and the bone that supports the teeth . It develops when tartar and bacteria accumulate under or above the gums, causing inflammation. Gum disease is related to tobacco use as people who smoke tend to have more tartar on their teeth than non-smokers. The nicotine in tobacco reduces saliva production, which makes it easier for tartar and bacteria to build up in the mouth.

Signs that a smoker’s gums have problems, such as inflammation and bleeding, are less noticeable than usual. Special attention must be paid in this regard to avoid major problems.

Cavities

Although smoking is not a direct cause of cavities, tobacco consumption reduces the flow of saliva , which favors the growth of bacterial plaque and therefore the appearance of cavities, especially in the roots of the teeth.

Smoker’s breath

Smoker’s breath is another problem that some people have. This is caused by the early stages of gum disease or dry mouth due to irritation and dryness of the mucous membranes and decreased saliva production. People with bad breath from smoking are not fully aware of the unpleasant odor because tobacco also affects their senses of taste and smell.

Conclusion

To help prevent both bad breath from smokers and the onset of gum disease in smoking patients, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss, increase your fluid intake to prevent dry mouth, using an antibacterial mouthwash, chewing sugarless gum, getting regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and of course trying to deduct tobacco use as much as possible or quit smoking altogether. Learn more from these dentists on how to treat sensitive gums and teeth whitening Worcester. 

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