This article discusses how smoking impacts oral health.
It is critical for people who smoke to visit their dentists routinely to maintain excellent oral health. Quitting smoking enhances oral health, minimizes the risk of developing gum disease, and improves the person’s response to gum treatment. This article discusses how smoking impacts oral health.
How Does Smoking Affect Your Oral Health?
People who often smoke commonly experience oral health problems, including:
- Mouth cancer
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Poor healing after tooth removal
- Poor healing after gum surgery
- Decreased taste
- Bad breath (halitosis)
Smoking and Gum Disease
Smoking often can also cause gum disease – an infection that damages the bone surrounding your teeth. This bone attaches the teeth to the jawbone to chew food. Food debris and bacteria called dental plaque can cause gum disease. If dental plaque is left on teeth and gums, it can harden to develop tartar. The plaque and tartar may irritate the gums around the teeth.
The two stages of gum disease are periodontitis and gingivitis. If periodontitis is left untreated, the structures that hold the tooth to the gum can be destroyed. For instance, teeth might become loose, fall out by themselves, or require a dentist to remove them.
Tips to Prevent Teeth and Gum Problems in Smokers
If you constantly smoke, there are some things you can do to prevent tooth and gum problems, like:
- Attempt to quit smoking
- If you are having a hard time quitting smoking, try to decrease the number of cigarettes you smoke to start with
- Clean your teeth and gums 2x daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes once daily to clean between your teeth
- Visit your local Annapolis dentist every six to twelve months. Regular visits can help maintain excellent oral health.
- Avoid having a dry mouth, especially if you take medications that trigger a dry mouth.
- Limit alcoholic beverages and avoid recreational drugs.
Everyone must visit the dentist regularly, but it’s especially vital for smokers. Call Annapolis Dental Care at 410-267-0766 to book your next appointment.
Transform Your Smile with Annapolis Dental Care
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. Please give us a call at 410-267-0766 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!