Most people automatically associate the word “smoking” with health problems. But they tend to associate this habit with heart and lung problems, or cancer. What you might not realize, however, is that smoking can also be very damaging to your oral health. The problems go much deeper than just stained teeth.
A Serious Toll
If you smoke, you could be harming your oral health in ways you might not realize. Smoking weakens your teeth and makes them more susceptible to damage. One of the reasons is that it reduces the amount of blood that flows to your mouth. This can allow harmful bacteria to thrive.
This, in turn, will make it harder for your mouth to be able to ward off infections caused by those bacteria. Not only is that dangerous for your oral health, it can be dangerous for your general health as well. If bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream, that can cause issues in other parts of your body.
Smoking also leads to an increase in plaque buildup. This can weaken teeth to the point to where they need to be removed. Tobacco can also wear down the enamel that protects your teeth, making them more susceptible to disease.
Any use of tobacco can cause problems – not just smoking. Chewing tobacco often contains sugar, and that can lead to tooth decay.
If you smoke, do whatever you can to quit. In the meantime, visit Angleton Family Dental on a regular basis for thorough cleanings. Call (979) 308-4450 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
