Everyone’s aware that smoking is bad for health. But only a few understand how damaging it is for oral health. From ruining your smile to putting you at risk of severe diseases, smoking does all kinds of havoc. Here are the specific ways smoking is bad for oral health:
It stains your teeth
Enamel, the outer layer of the teeth, has small cracks and ridges on its surface. These are porous, that’s why nicotine and tar can easily get absorbed in such. While nicotine is colorless, it creates a yellow hue when it’s mixed with oxygen, the air you breathe. Over time then, smoking gives you discolored teeth. Why is this a problem? Well, the appearance of your teeth, whether you like it or not, is a reflection of how you take care of yourself — something romantic dates and potential employers pay much attention to. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to get rid of nicotine stains, especially if you’ve been a heavy smoker for years. Fortunately, they’re not permanent. What you need is professional teeth whitening from your dentist. But of course, prevention is always better than cure.
It puts you at risk of gum disease
When the bacteria remain on the mouth for a long time, it builds plaque and eventually tartar, leading to gum disease. Smokers tend to have more tartar than non-smokers due to the reduced saliva in the mouth. Gleaning from dentists in South Jordan, once gum disease sets in, it’s tough to fight it off because smoking weakens the immune system. The problem becomes worse, creating deeper pockets between teeth and gums and more severe bone loss. Over time, it can lead to tooth loss, which will require tooth replacement solutions, like dental implants. There’s a high risk of surgery failure among smokers as their habit weakens the bone structure. It’s the reason why practitioners highly recommend quitting before the procedure. Ask your dentist for smoking cessation programs to finally wean you from the habit.
It leads to cancer in the mouth
Most people who develop oral cancer are smokers. That’s because tobacco contains carcinogenic substances, elements that damage the DNA in cells. The risk depends on the duration and frequency of smoking. If you’re thinking about going the non-smoking route, like chewing tobacco and betel quid to avoid the risk, your efforts will be in vain because these can still make you vulnerable to cancers. Understand also that your smoking habit doesn’t just harm you but also the health of people around you. Studies show that secondhand smoking can increase the risk of cancer. So, if protecting your health isn’t enough of a reason to quit, perhaps doing it for others will be. Seek others’ help in kicking the habit. Ask your loved ones to monitor you, and let your family and friends be involved in your journey.
Smoking is bad for your health. It’s especially worse for your oral health. Consult your dentist about how you can quit this habit and finally get on with a healthier lifestyle.
