Smoking cigarettes is one of the unhealthiest habits a person can have. It can lead to respiratory problems, lung cancer, and a host of other devastating issues. It also affects oral health. If you are a smoker, you should be aware of how your habit can impact your teeth and gums and how your dentist in Dallas, GA, may be able to help keep your mouth in good shape.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Smoking can increase plaque production in your mouth, and that plaque can cause severe tooth decay. Furthermore, plaque can lead to gum disease, and the gums will have a difficult time recovering from infection because smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.
If these conditions are allowed to run their course, the result could be tooth loss and other problems; gum disease has even been linked to cardiovascular disease and preterm birth. In the meantime, you could experience severe pain. Loose teeth will make it more difficult to eat a balanced diet, leading to more ill consequences for your health.
Cancer
Smoking is commonly linked to lung cancer, but the habit can also cause mouth cancer. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year. It is a treatable condition, but sadly, people with this disease are more likely to die than people who have cervical cancer or melanoma skin cancer.
Staining
The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can quickly discolor your teeth. People who smoke heavily for years find that their teeth are almost a brown color.
How to Minimize Smoking’s Effects on Your Oral Health
The best thing you can do to protect your oral health is stop smoking. However, even if you’re not yet ready to kick the habit, there are things you can do to ease the burden on your teeth and gums.
It’s vital that you visit your dentist regularly; every three to six months is the recommendation for smokers. Your dental professional can clean your teeth, reducing plaque and tartar buildup. They can also examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. The sooner you can get ahead of these conditions, the less likely it is that you’ll suffer long-term consequences because of them.
Of course, you also want to make a good impression on people you meet — and brown teeth don’t send a positive message. You can talk to your cosmetic dentist in Dallas, GA, about how to brighten up your smile. They might suggest that you use an abrasive toothpaste to get rid of tar buildup on your teeth. You could also talk about the possibility of undergoing a professional whitening treatment.
Your oral health is one of many good reasons to quit smoking. However, if your teeth and gums are already suffering because of your habit, your dentist in Dallas, GA, is in a good position to help get your smile back on track.
About the Author
Drs. Jack Bickford, Bobby Shirley, and the rest of the team at Distinctive Dentistry provide general and cosmetic services to their patients in the Dallas, GA, area. They can put their expertise to work to help you achieve great oral health. If you’re concerned about the effects that smoking has had on your oral health, reach out to our office at 770-445-6606.
