Consider these figures released in a report issued by the American National Centre for Health Statistics. Existing smokers are twice as likely as former smokers and four times as likely as people who’ve never smoked to suffer from poor oral health. In addition, current smokers are two times more likely than non-smokers to have three or more oral health problems. Effects of smoking on oral health can be damaging in the long run.
Incidentally, while 56 percent of current smokers said they could not see a dentist because of the cost factor, this number dropped to 35 percent with non-smokers. Statistics aside, why is smoking bad for oral health in the first place?
Effects of Smoking on Oral Health
moking has an adverse effect on teeth as well as the oral cavity. Smoking is known to cause:
- Discolouration of teeth
- Bad breath
- Increase in build up of tartar and plaque
- Delayed healing after surgery, extraction, or periodontal treatment
- Increased loss of the jawbone
- Higher risk of developing gum disease, leukoplakia, and oral cancer
- Reduced success rate of implants
The long-term effects of smoking on teeth may lead to tooth decay and might pose a further challenge if you need restorative dental treatment. Besides, since tooth is an effect of smoking, the aesthetic results of any treatment you get may be compromised. Gum recession caused because of smoking may lead to uneven margins with restorations such as crowns. There is an increased chance of failure of dental implants if you are a smoker as well.
What About Smokeless Tobacco?
Smokeless products such as chewing tobacco and snuff also pose significant risks to oral health. Smokeless tobacco can irritate gum tissue, which leads it to recede from its original position. Once this happens the root of your teeth become exposed, and this increases the possibility of tooth decay. Exposed roots can also result in increased sensitivity to hot and cold.
Sugars that are typically added to enhance flavour increase risk of tooth decay. Grit and sand found in smokeless tobacco can work in wearing teethdown. Besides, smokeless tobacco also increases the risk of developing oral cancer as well as cancers of the throat and oesophagus.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco, and you may now seek support that comes in different forms. Please talk to us or your G.P if you want to stop smoking.
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