Everyone knows smoking is bad for your general health, however some
people don’t realise the damage smoking can do to their oral health.
Smoking can cause fatal diseases, such as lung, throat and mouth cancer.
Smoking is one of the main causes of gum disease and can masks the
signs of it. Smokers are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which
leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a
lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal. Gum
disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
Aesthetically, one of the effects of smoking is heavy staining of the
teeth. This is due to the nicotine and tar present in the tobacco. It
can yellow and brown the teeth in a short amount of time, most staining
can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. There are some
toothpastes on the market specifically for smokers, speak to your
dentist before using them.
It is important to visit the dentist regularly for a check up and full mouth examination, even if you are edentulous (have no teeth). Many people don’t know that the dentist will check your whole mouth, including tongue and soft tissues for signs of mouth cancer, too. Also, speak to your dentist or GP about ways to quit smoking.
Ian, the Mosman dentist. Dentist Mosman.
Image:Pixabay
