Most people who smoke are smart and mature. They smoke despite knowing the health risks associated with the habit, not because they are unaware of them.
Nevertheless, one of the primary goals of any general dentistry practice is to provide patients with the education they need to make intelligent, confident decisions regarding their oral health.
What they may not be completely aware of is how profoundly dangerous smoking can be to oral health specifically. We’d like to impart some of this information now to you.
If you smoke, what you do with this information is entirely up to you. We hope that you’ll consider kicking the habit for the sake of your smile, not to mention your lungs, heart, and the rest of your body. The people you love will certainly thank you for it, and that’s a great reason to smile.
The consequences of smoking on your oral health
Some of the effects of smoking on your oral health may be more obvious than others. Some you might be willing to live with; others may make you think twice about taking that next puff. Here are just a few of the consequences of smoking on your oral health:
- Chronic bad breath: We’re not talking about cigarette breath here, which many people find off-putting but you might find perfectly acceptable. Many people who smoke suffer from chronic halitosis, or general bad breath, due to dry mouth syndrome and gum disease, both of which are associated with smoking.
- Discolored teeth: Tobacco is one of the most common causes of stained teeth. Thankfully, it is also one of the easiest stains to remove through professional teeth whitening. However, if you have your teeth professionally whitened and continue to smoke, you will quickly see your investment go up in, well, smoke.
- Periodontal disease: When you smoke, you are introducing all types of bacteria into your mouth. These bacteria contribute to gum disease, which when left untreated can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.
- Oral cancer: This is probably the most obvious consequence of smoking on your oral health, but also the most chilling. In its earliest stages, oral cancer is actually one of the more treatable forms of cancer; however, if not detected early, it rapidly becomes one of the deadliest and most devastating cancers. While many smokers adopt a “whatever will be, will be” attitude toward cancer, a Google Image search for “oral cancer” may help to change your outlook
Learn more about the effects of smoking on oral health
To learn more about the effect of smoking on oral health, please contact Sugar Fix Dental Loft today.