Smoking and Oral Health

Smoking and Teeth

Research has proven time and again that smoking is bad for the teeth. There is no denying it. Smoking has a lasting and significant impact on your oral health. It is in fact linked to a number of oral issues like bad breath, gum diseases, discolouration of teeth, excessive build up of plaque and so on. The best solution for healthy teeth and gums is to quit smoking completely, which is easier said than done.

However, whether it is discolouration of the teeth or oral cancers, smokers have a higher risk of being affected. Smile Artistry has a team of experienced dental surgeons who can help you deal with smoking and teeth or oral problems caused by it.

Oral health issues caused by smoking

Smokers are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, which involves in build of plaque and results in bleeding gums, inflammation and loss of teeth. Smokers also have higher chances of developing leukoplakia, which can lead to cancer of the lungs, throat or mouth. Also, the time taken for recovering from dental procedures is usually higher for smokers than it is for non-smokers.

Smoking and teeth stains go hand in hand. One of the common dental problems that smoking causes is discolouration of teeth, which makes them less attractive. Bad breath and loss of sensation of taste and smell are other issues smokers deal with. Some chain smokers also tend to develop a condition called Hairy Tongue, where the tongue turns into a yellow, black, purple or brown colour, giving the impression of being hairy.

Oral hygiene tips for smokers

As it is, smoking affects your teeth and mouth. Without proper dental care, your dental hygiene can drop from bad to worse. Brushing twice a day and using floss and mouthwash is not enough if you are a smoker. To prevent severe dental problems, here are a few things that you should remember.

  • While non-smokers need to visit the dentist twice-a-year at least, smokers should go more often.
  • Frequent dentist visits will enable your dentist to check for signs of gum diseases or other oral health problems.
  • Regular clean-ups by professionals are recommended. Smokers and tobacco users tend to build stains on the teeth, which cannot be eliminated by regular brushing alone. Dentists use medicated products that help in removal of tough stains without impacting the teeth or gums negatively.
  • Smokers should avoid eating certain foods that are high in acidic content, as they can further damage the teeth and gums.

Smokers are also recommended to use targeted toothpastes and mouthwashes that can help them keep their teeth and gums healthy. Talk to our team of dental health specialists for recommendation.