We all know how harmful smoking is. Government campaigns, educational texts, and warnings printed on the back of cigarette packs help create awareness among the general public. However, only a few people know about the adverse effects of smoking on oral health. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness causes people to ignore these severe effects. The mouth is the first body part a cigarette touches. Inevitably, smoking causes severe and sometimes irreversible repercussions.
Discolored Teeth:
Ingredients such as tobacco and tar enhance the rate of teeth discoloration. Tar and ash tend to build up small crevices between the teeth. Thus, the build-up gives the smoker’s teeth its trademark black or dark yellow color. The discoloration can be paused or slowed down using special smoker toothpaste. Such toothpaste contains abrasives and whitening agents that help in the thorough cleaning of the tooth.
Awful Breath:
Almost everyone knows the smell of a smoker’s breath. Often characterized as a smoky, ashy, and burning odor that is easily detectable. Furthermore, it is not a smell that is easy to get rid of. Even after using a heavy mouthwash, you can smell the remnants.
Swollen Salivary Gland Openings:
Toxins in smoke can cause inflammation of the salivary glands. Thus, by hampering the outflow of saliva in the mouth, saliva concentration in the mouth decreases.
Increased Chances Of Cavities:
Smoking decreases the overall PH of the mouth. Hence, an acidic environment is harmful to teeth as plaque bacterias thrive in such environments. Saliva is our front line defense against cavities. However, with a reduced concentration of saliva, the body can not respond well to cavities.
Increased Chances Of Gum Diseases:
Smoking facilitates the growth of plaque bacteria, such as lactobacilli. Thus, smoking speeds up plaque formation that causes gum diseases like gingivitis. Furthermore, smoking weakens the body’s immune response to infections. Therefore, once gums are damaged, it is difficult for them to heal. Eventually, gums will recede, allowing more space for bacteria to grow.
Increased Chances Of Tooth Loss:
Poisons in cigarettes cause bone and structural degradation of the jaw. After degeneration of the alveolar bone and receding gums occurs, the tooth is on the verge of falling out.
Increased Risks Of Oral Cancer:
A cigarette is filled with carcinogens like tar. A carcinogen is a chemical substance that increases the rate of cancer development. Oral cancer is quite prevalent in smokers. Furthermore, oral cancer includes cancer of the tongue, jaw, and throat. It often causes white lesions, jagged bite levels, and difficulty in chewing. Furthermore, if the cancer is left untreated or isn’t diagnosed in its early stages, the doctor will have to remove a part of the affected area.
Conclusion:
Smoking, no doubt, is a deadly addiction. Moreover, it accelerates the occurrence of almost all major dental problems. From unsightly and blackish teeth to oral cancer, smoking plays a role in all of them. Hence, to maintain healthy oral hygiene, you should never start smoking!. However, if you have smoked for a few years, the only viable remedy is to withdraw from smoking. Learn more about healthy oral care practice through our website. In addition, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 979-308-4450.
