How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health
By now, you’ve heard from about everyone to avoid tobacco products. One concern brought to the table infrequently is oral health. When you know how harmful smoking can be to your mouth, you will be likely reconsider your motives.
Smoking And Your Teeth
Smoking causes more damage than staining your teeth. Not only will your teeth become an unattractive yellow, but you also have a higher risk of tooth loss. Smoking doubles your risk of losing teeth.
Smoking And Your Gums
Healthy teeth need healthy gums for support. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and, if left untreated, can increase your risk of various medical conditions. To have healthy gums, smoking must be avoided. Smoking quadruples your risk of gum disease.
Smoking And Dental Treatment
Whether you need implants, periodontal treatment, a tooth extraction, or another type of dental work, smoking can decrease the effectiveness of dental treatment. Dental work will be easier and more effective if you do not smoke.
Smoking And Other Oral Health Issues
If you smoke, your salivary glands can become inflamed. Smoking increases your risk of oral cancer. It can cause more buildup of tartar and plaque, and causes bad breath.
Your Health Habits Make A Difference
Your heart and lungs can be harmed by smoking, but so can your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat. You may not have thought of smoking as being related to dentistry, but your periodontist can offer solid advice on how to give up the habit. If you are still smoking, contact Dr. Jason Stoner to understand your steps moving forward.
If you do not use tobacco products, do yourself a favor and resolve to never start. There is too much at stake for a habit that provides no real benefits.