When people think of smoking and the effect on teeth, they usually think of teeth turning yellow. And while that is one noticeable thing smoking it is not the only way it impacts a patient’s oral health. Think of the damage smoke can do to the other parts of the body. Why would it not damage teeth and gums beyond just coloring them yellow or brown?
Ways Smoking Damages Your Teeth
By smoking patients have doubled their chances of getting gum disease. The longer patients and the more they smoke greatly increases their chances of getting it. Smoking naturally represses the body’s ability to defend itself against infection, so any dental procedures will take a considerably long time to recover from.
Smoking can also be a contributing factor in tooth decay. While many immediately think of oral cancer as the main concern with regard to smoking, it also plays a significant role in tooth decay. We see a lot patients with significant tooth decay both in the tooth itself and the surrounding soft gum tissue in patients who smoke compared to those who do not.
Periodontal disease is another serious disease for which smoking can be a contributing factor. Because smoking represses the immune system when an issue arises, it can worsen much faster than in those patients who do not smoke. This is especially true for gum disease.
When gum disease is allowed to remain untreated, it can lead to bone loss and eventually even tooth loss. When the patient has significant tooth loss, it complicates an already complicated situation. If they continue to smoke and have dental implants and artificial teeth put in, there can be complications, both in the recovery time and the overall outcome of the placement. If you are a smoker and have questions do not hesitate to contact us.
