Smoking and Oral Health

What is the link between smoking and my oral health?

Most people are aware that smoking is bad for your health and can lead to more serious conditions like oral cancer. But what does it have to do with your mouth?

First of all, it affects the colour of your teeth and your breath. The nicotine in the cigarettes sticks to the enamel of your teeth making them stained brown and yellow. It can lead to gum disease (periodontal disease) by affecting your gums with lessening the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, this can make it slow down the healing process of your mouth. Smoking can also increase the bacteria or dental plaque in your mouth also leading to gum disease. Gum disease can be serious depending on the severity and can even lead to tooth loss. Smoking tobacco lowers the success rate of dental implants and can affect the healing after you have had a tooth extracted or periodontal treatment. The risk of developing oral cancer increases significantly with those that use tobacco products.

To find out ways to quit or if you have any other questions be sure to ask your dental hygienist about smoking cessations.

Some tips to help you quit

• Make a plan

• Have a support system

• Keep busy

• Avoid triggers

• Exercise

• Reward your accomplishments