How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health
According to research, smokers are 4.65 times more likely to develop oral cancer than their non-smoking counterparts. They are also more likely to develop other issues, including gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath, bleeding, and discolored teeth.
Smoking creates a high risk for adverse oral reactions as well as your overall health. While the best option for maintaining good oral health is to avoid smoking entirely, there are options to help treat the effects.
The Link Between Smoking and Oral Health
Smoking affects the body in several negative ways, primarily because of the tar in tobacco smoke. These solid particles contain various cancer-causing chemicals that stick to the teeth, fingernails, and lung tissue.
Another problem is carbon monoxide, a byproduct of the tobacco-burning process. When inhaled, the odorless gas takes the place of oxygen in the blood, making it more challenging to get energy to muscles.
Chemicals in tobacco smoke generate toxins, also known as free radicals, causing damage to the heart, muscles, and artery walls. Because this poses a significant threat to the rest of the body, it also weakens the body's ability to maintain oral health.
The impacts of smoking on oral health are profound and go beyond stained teeth. Smoking damages the delicate lining between the teeth and causes gum bleeding and, in some cases, tooth loss. Furthermore, smoking also increases the risk of mouth cancer by damaging DNA in the cheek, tongue, and gum cells.
Common Oral Health Issues Caused by Smoking
Smoking is problematic for oral health on many levels. Here’s how it causes harm:
Bad breath
At the most basic level, smoking can create bad breath because cigarette particles coat teeth, the tongue, and gums, leading to the production of unpleasant odors.
For many smokers, bad breath is the first symptom to develop. Over a sustained period, these symptoms can worsen, leading to more complications. It occurs when bacteria infiltrate the damaged gum lining and begin to multiply.
Gum disease
Gum disease is another significant risk. Once bacteria damage the gum’s lining and penetrate the peri-coronal area, they start churning out unpleasant metabolic byproducts that cause unpleasant smells.
Gingivitis is the first stage in the development of gum disease. It occurs when bacteria damage tissue close to the surface of the gum. Signs include mild discomfort and bleeding after brushing.
Periodontitis is the more severe form of gum disease. It occurs when bacteria penetrates towards the root of the teeth and supporting jawbone. Most cases develop in a gum “pocket” beside the tooth that won’t heal.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer is another common smoking-related health issue and one of the most serious. While most periodontal problems aren’t life-threatening, oral cancer can be. Chemicals contained in cigarettes can cause changes to the genetic makeup found in the cells within the mouth.
While this form of cancer is treatable, it poses a severe risk to your overall health.
Tooth staining and discoloration
Tooth staining and discoloration are also issues many smokers face. Over time, cigarette tar sticks to the teeth, making them look yellow or brown.
Fortunately, whitening treatments can restore your natural enamel color. Most staining is surface-level and cosmetic.
Reduced healing and increased risk of infection
Lastly, smoking makes it more challenging for oral cavity tissues to heal, leading to an increased risk of bleeding and infection. These, in turn, can worsen bad breath and increase the risk of tooth loss.
The Mechanism Behind Smoking’s Effects
Cigarettes have various chemical components that cause harm in different ways.
The primary problem is tar–solid particles in cigarette smoke that react with oral tissues and cause harm. Tar contains various chemical irritants that damage the gums and other oral issues, leading to inflammation.
Other chemicals like benzene and acetaldehyde could also play damaging roles. Researchers believe these may harm cells in ways that lead to oral cancers.
Nicotine, the addictive substance that encourages smokers to keep going back for more, also poses a problem. It doesn’t damage teeth directly but can cause vasoconstriction, the constriction of blood vessels in the oral cavity. This can impair blood flow and prevent damaged tissues from receiving what they need to heal.
These chemicals damage the mouth’s saliva-producing glands. Smokers can’t produce as much saliva as non-smokers, making clear bacteria from the mouth harder. As a result, the risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay increases.
Lastly, smoking can damage the microbiome, increasing the abundance of bacteria. This shift can cause halitosis (bad breath) and increase the risk of tooth loss.
Prevention and Management
Fortunately, the damage smoking causes is 100% avoidable. Bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer are not inevitable. Here’s how to cut your risk:
Quit smoking
The first (and most obvious) step is to quit smoking. Transitioning to nicotine skin patches or using sugar-free gum can stave off cravings and help you kick the habit.
Quitting smoking usually takes most people two to four weeks. The first few days are the most challenging, but it becomes easier after that.
Go to regular dental check-ups
Going for regular dental checkups is also an excellent way to prevent the harms of smoking from developing into full-blown disease. Dentists can look for signs of gum damage and provide advice on how to maintain oral health.
If you smoke, book appointments with your dentist at least once every six months. Longer gaps could allow serious complications to develop.
Follow recommended oral hygiene practices
Finally, ensure you use proper oral hygiene practices, including:
- Flossing your teeth every day
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Using whitening mouth rinse or anticavity mouthwash if instructed by your dentist
- Going for at least two standard professional cleanings per year
Find a Dentist in Idaho Falls
In summary, smoking is damaging to oral health. Smokers have a higher risk of bad breath, tooth loss, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Fortunately, quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing these conditions substantially. Furthermore, dentists offer treatments to reverse some existing damage, such as whitening and tooth restoration.
Whether you are a smoker, ex-smoker, or non-smoker, contact Family Dental Health Center to book an appointment and improve your oral health today.