Periodontal Gum Diseases
Periodontal gum disease, that is, the inflammation of the gums and the bones around the teeth, is caused by harmful bacteria accumulating in the mouth and can lead to tooth loss. But bacteria are not the only culprits of gum disease. Smoking also affects your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight conditions like gum disease. Periodontal treatment may not be as successful in smokers as it is in non-smokers because smoking makes it harder for your gums to heal.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is about healthy cells in the mouth mutating over time, and this can happen in several ways. According to the Oral Cancer Society, smoking plays a large role in most cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. According to a study conducted at the University of California, 8 out of 10 oral cancer patients smoke. When you inhale, the harmful chemicals in tobacco first pass through your mouth and larynx and reach your lungs. With time and repeated exposure, these chemicals can cause changes in your oral cavity and lead to oral cancer. However, this is a preventable disease. You can keep mouth cancer out of your future by avoiding smoking and other high-risk behaviors and by visiting your dentist regularly.
Bad Breath and Stained Teeth
Besides more serious effects such as oral cancer and gum disease, smoking can affect your taste and smell and delay your recovery after tooth extraction or other dental procedures, according to the American Dental Association’s Oral Health page. In addition, tar from cigarettes can cause stains on your teeth, bad breath, and discoloration of your tongue. The only way to remove these stains is professional cleaning by your dentist.
Continuing Home Care
The nicotine in cigarettes is a highly addictive substance. That’s why quitting smoking is not easy. However, if you are a smoker, quitting smoking is an important step toward improving your overall health. Most people need support as quitting smoking can be very difficult. Talk to your dentist about your desire to quit smoking. Keeping your mouth and teeth as clean as possible can be an incentive as you plan to quit smoking. Frequent brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Now that you know about the harmful effects of smoking on oral health, remember that it is never too late to quit smoking.
In Which Situations Should Smokers Apply To The Dentist Without Delay?
Situations in which smokers should consult a doctor are the situations that should be examined immediately, although regular examinations by the dentist are required:
• The appearance of swellings with a blackish color on the lips, gums, and other parts of the mouth
• Frequent bleeding in the mouth of a smoker
• Persistent wound formation on the face, neck, or mouth area
How Smokers Should Take Care of Their Mouth
Oral care of smokers is frequently investigated by people who learn by experiencing the negative effects of smoking in terms of oral health. Oral care for smoking and oral health should be as follows:
• Smokers should see a dentist regularly.
• Smokers should brush their teeth regularly, use dental floss, and gargle with the recommendation of the dentist.
• Smokers should brush their teeth 3 times a day for a minimum of 3 minutes.
We welcome patients who are careful about their oral and dental health and want to receive good service at our Dentamedi Oral and Dental Health Clinic in Ataköy, Istanbul. You can also contact us through our website.