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Oct 06, 2022
Smoking is a proven health hazard. Although the packaging for tobacco products comes with a health warning, many people continue with their addiction. According to recent estimates, close to 20,500 Australian deaths every year are attributed to tobacco smoking.
Besides causing cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory conditions, type 2 diabetes, fertility issues and osteoporosis, the bad habit also leads to dental problems. Smoking or vaping affects teeth, gums and the overall oral health of the person.
It causes oral cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental ailments that can lead to irreversible damage. Let us help you understand the negative impact of smoking on oral health in detail.
Why is Smoking Bad for Your Oral Health?
Individuals who smoke must be aware of the long list of dental issues that can impact them. It is also essential to make family members, colleagues or friends who smoke aware of these ailments to get them to quit. Here are a few reasons to get rid of the habit.
- Oral Cancer
The risk of developing oral cancer is much higher in smokers The threat becomes even more pronounced if you are also consuming excessive alcohol. Whether you are using cigarettes, pipes or cigars, the possibility of oral cancer remains the same.
It can lead to cancer of the oral cavity, lungs, voice box, oesophagus, pancreas, liver, kidney, and various other parts. Passive smokers are also susceptible to lung, pharynx and larynx cancer.
- Teeth Staining and Bad Breath
Discolouring of teeth is a common problem among smokers. The tar released from the cigarettes leads to the yellowing of teeth and the tongue. Heavy smokers can notice their teeth turning brown over a period.
In addition, the smell of tobacco in the mouth causes bad breath or halitosis. You can even lose the ability to taste the flavours of your food because of the impact on the tongue. Speak to your expert Hope Island dentist for teeth whitening procedures to get rid of the problem.
- Gum Disease
Smoking is considered one of the main reasons for gingivitis or periodontal disease because it tends to produce bacterial plaque. The hardened plaque or tartar gets under the gums and causes red and swollen gums.
If the plaque is ignored, it can lead to the pulling away of the gums and creating deep pockets filled with bacteria, damaging the bone supporting the tooth. As a result, it can cause the loosening of teeth and falling out if not treated on time.
- Smoker’s Keratosis
Very few people know that this condition increases the risk of oral cancer among smokers. It usually appears as a white patch on the palate with red dots. Smoker’s keratosis is the whitening of the soft tissue present on the roof of the mouth.
Although the condition itself is not dangerous, it is considered to make the patient prone to mouth cancer.
- Mouth Ulcers
Quitting smoking can lead to sores and ulcers in the mouth. However, they subside after a few weeks. Smoking can also cause tobacco stomatitis or smoker’s palate, which involves the formation of sores on the roof of the mouth. It usually affects people who use a pipe for smoking or inhale smoke from the reverse side of the cigarette.
- Dry Socket
Dry socket is the poor healing of the gum after the tooth extraction surgery. Smoking is one of the common reasons for this condition. The blood clot in the pit created after tooth extraction can get dislodged by fast inhalation during smoking which causes the problem.
Tobacco is also responsible for delaying the healing process of the treated area and may even lead to infection. Thus, smokers must reduce their tobacco consumption before the surgery and avoid smoking for 2-3 days after the procedure.
They must be careful once they resume smoking to inhale very slowly and limit their number of cigarettes in a day. Placing a gauze over the socket can help as well.
- Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is the formation of thick white patches on the gums or inside the cheeks. Sometimes they also appear on the tongue. These are caused by the irritation inside the mouth caused by excessive tobacco consumption.
If the patches have red lesions, it is a warning sign of the possibility of oral cancer. Thus, you must get them examined by your dentist in Hope Island.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Dental Problems in Smokers
The foremost thing to do is to quit smoking with the help of therapy, support services and recommended methods. If giving up the habit is impossible, you can begin by reducing the number of cigarettes. Besides this, you must follow a strict oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily and flossing.
You must use mouthwashes to get rid of bacteria and bad breath. Also, improve your diet by adding nutritious and healthy foods to it. Limit your intake of sugary drinks and sticky foods that can cause tooth decay. Also, keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum and visit your dentist every six months for regular check-ups.
Conclusion
Smoking is one habit that can impact your whole body and make it susceptible to life-threatening diseases. Thus, smokers need to be cautious about their overall and dental health. It is vital to get your mouth examined frequently to avoid the problems mentioned above.
