Smoking has plenty of negative side effects, not the least of which includes lung cancer. When it comes to your dental health, frequent smoking can not only damage the look of your teeth, but it can lead to long-lasting damage to your gums too. Here’s how smoking directly impacts your oral health:
Smoking & Cosmetic Issues
Smoking leads to yellow teeth because cigarettes contain chemicals that erode the enamel, or the top layer of your teeth that protects them from staining and damage. Once the enamel is worn down, your teeth are more susceptible to decay, damage, and even tooth loss. Yellowed or missing teeth can be embarrassing and make it difficult to talk, eat, and smile. If smoking has affected the appearance of your teeth, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening or different tooth replacement options.
Smoking & Gum Disease
Your immune system is easily compromised when you’re a smoker. This means that your body cannot fight off bacteria and viruses as easily as it should, and normally controllable plaque and bacteria on your teeth can become more harmful to your health. If too much plaque builds up under your gum line, you can develop gingivitis. When that is left untreated, it can develop into advanced gum disease known as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Gum Disease Treatment
Quitting smoking, although difficult, can be monumental when it comes to your oral health, and it can help you regain immunity strength. Early stage gum disease may just require a deep cleaning to remove all of the plaque and bacteria that is stuck under the gum line. If your gum disease has progressed, see your dentist right away so that they can assess the state of your oral health and suggest the right treatments for you.
Besides giving up the habit, brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth healthy. If you have any questions about how to best maintain your oral health, our team at Springs Village Dentistry is happy to see you and develop a personal oral plan to best suit your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
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