Are you afraid of losing your teeth? Once natural teeth are lost, the only way to bring back your original smile is to go through a dental implant or wear dentures. So naturally, protecting your teeth and gums should be on the top of your priority list.

One of the adverse side effects of smoking regular cigarettes and any other tobacco products is tooth loss. Smokers typically develop tartar on their teeth significantly more than those people who do not smoke. This excess tartar can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). But that’s not all, here are 4 more ways smoking destroys your oral health.

Smoking Interferes With Your Blood Circulation

• Smoking greatly affects the normal function of your gum tissue which can lead to infections and restricted blood flow. It can also delay healing after major oral surgery such as tooth extraction or implants or any treatment of gum diseases.

This makes it really hard for a patient to recover from the surgery. Moreover, while brushing or flossing your teeth, you may regularly see your gums bleed. 

 Builds Up Excess Tartar and Plaque

• When a cigarette is burned, it releases several harmful chemicals in the body. These chemicals can affect the flow of saliva in your mouth which makes it easier for bacteria to live in your mouth. With this, plaque can easily develop on the gum line and the teeth.

If the plaque is not removed every day by brushing or flossing your teeth, it can convert to tartar, a hard substance that requires professional cleaning at a dentist’s office. Moreover, smokers are at a significant risk of developing a periodontal disease which can cause you to lose your teeth in the long run.

Smoking Causes Oral Cancer

• This one should be obvious. Not only smoking causes lung cancer, but it can also contribute to the risk of developing a mouth or oral cancer. According to research, about 90 percent of people who are diagnosed mouth, lips or throat cancer are people who smoke or use tobacco products.  

Changes The Color of Your Teeth

• Smoking stains your teeth to a yellow color which is typically very hard to get rid of. Stained teeth from smoking require professional teeth whitening procedures at a dentist’s office.

Moreover, Smoking also causes bad breath. So if you’ve been trying your best to fix bad breath, one of the ways is to quit or reduce smoking.

What Are The Treatment Options Available?

• If you can’t quit smoking, then you must at least cut down the use of it. With moderate use, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, you can reduce the risks of threatening periodontal diseases. 

However, it is also important to regularly visit your dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will immediately be able to tell the condition of your teeth and gums and with that, they will be able to provide a timely solution. So make sure to visit your dentist every 3-6 months if you smoke regularly.

Icon Dental Center in Everett and Seattle are welcoming new patients who have oral health problems due to excess smoking. Please give us a visit by either calling us or booking an appointment through our website.