You may know your smoking habit causes bad breath and stains your teeth, but there are other ways smoking is harmful to your oral health. One of the most important tips for total oral health is to stop using tobacco products.
Tooth Decay. When you smoke, it increases the tartar in your mouth. Tartar builds up on teeth and underneath your gum line. Teeth will start to decay, and you may even lose your teeth.
Gum Disease. Tobacco contains tar that irritates delicate tissues. It can cause gum infections and bone loss. Periodontal disease can result from smoking.
Bacteria. The bad breath that comes from smoking is more than an embarrassing odor. Bacteria in your mouth causes bad breath. Bacteria is dangerous to your overall health as well as your oral health.
Oral Cancer. Smokers have a greater risk of oral cancer. As oral cancer is most often detected by a dentist, the condition may go undetected until it is too late to be treated.
Oral Health Tips: Stop Smoking

If you have used tobacco products for more than a couple of years, it can be extremely difficult to quit. If you try to quit and find you cannot, you may have an addiction that requires outside help.

You can ask your dentist for information on how to stop smoking. He can refer you to online resources, or a support group in your area.

While few people find it easy to quit smoking, it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your oral health. It can greatly reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Whiter teeth and fresher breath are only extra benefits you will enjoy after you stop smoking. It is the way to total oral health.