How tobacco use affects your oral health and wellness
Created on October 15, 2020
Smoking cigarettes is a bad habit that some patients pick up during their adult years. While many patients say it reduces stress, this is minor in comparison to the damage smoking does to the entire body. Additionally, smokers tend to have specific oral health issues associated with this habit that can be expensive and damaging to address. The dentists of Taylor Street Dental in Springfield, MA encourage patients to take the time to learn about how their smoking habit impacts their oral health.
How tobacco affects oral health and wellness
There are several ways in which smoking cigarettes—and even chewing tobacco—affects the smile:
- Increases plaque and tartar formation. Many of the chemicals found in tobacco products impact the flow of saliva in the mouth, which naturally washes away sugars and starches from the teeth. This increases the development of bacteria that can contribute to periodontal disease and tooth decay. These conditions, if developed, require help from a professional to control and reduce the risk of permanent tooth loss.
- Poor blood circulation. Smoking cigarettes can affect the f unction of normal gum tissue, restricting blood flow and causing infections. Additionally, patients who undergo oral surgeries will find it more difficult to heal if they continue to smoke.
- Staining of the teeth. Natural teeth are white and bright, but habits such as cigarette smoking or chewing tobacco can cause deep staining to natural tooth enamel that impacts the appearance of the smile.
- Bad breath. Halitosis is common in patients who smoke.
- Increased risk of oral cancer. Oral cancer numbers are extremely high in patients who have a tobacco habit. In fact, those who smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco are six times more likely than those who do not to develop oral cancer. Routine screenings can help monitor to ensure this condition has not developed. If it does, early diagnosis and intervention is vital.
Are you interested in quitting tobacco?
If you are looking to improve your overall health while enhancing the beauty and health of your smile, now is the time to consider smoke cessation. At Taylor Street Dental, our professionals are here to help. Call Drs. David Peck, Pablo Velastegui, and Mahmoud Homsi of Springfield, MA today at (413) 781-7645 to request a consultation appointment and initial evaluation. We can help educate you on ways to quit smoking successfully while providing treatments to improve oral health.