It’s no secret that smoking wreaks havoc on your health and comes with a long-lasting, negative impact. Decades ago we were unsure about the implications of tobacco and smoking on your health, but today we know better and there is endless scientific information out there showing just how bad smoking is for you. Not only is it bad for your lungs and overall health, but smoking can ruin your teeth and gums. However, smoking is a very addictive behavior that can be difficult to just give up on a whim. If you or anyone you know has ever tried to stop smoking before, chances are they caved and snuck a secret cigarette or two. Unfortunately, this is causing even more harm and damage to the teeth than many people realize. The longer someone maintains a smoking habit, the more trouble they are getting themselves into, health wise.
Smoking can lead to a wide range of serious health implications, including periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, discoloration and other aesthetic issues, uneven margins on crowns and other dental restorations, and an increased risk of oral cancer. This is just a short list of the kind of damage smoking can cause to the teeth, mouth, and gums. Our Irving family dentists believe in providing you with the tools and resources you need to maintain a healthy smile and oral hygiene. Whether you are in need of professional assistance in smoking cessation or know your teeth have sustained damage because of a lifelong habit, please do not hesitate to contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today.
Let’s now look at some of the top ways smoking affects your teeth and oral health:
- Lead to tooth decay – One of the worst things smoking can do to your teeth is lead to decay. While gum disease and oral cancer are usually what come to mind when people think about how smoking can damage the teeth, decay should not be forgotten. Those who smoke on a regular basis may start to develop cavities, which can lead to infections and weak teeth that are eventually broken or decayed.
- Cause tooth discoloration – We all know that smoking can turn your pearly whites into pearly yellows, browns, or greys, but the more often you smoke, the worse it can get. You may not notice it right away, but if you compare a picture of yourself from before you smoked to now, look closely at your teeth and see how discolored they are.
- Increase your chance of developing gum disease – Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that impacts the gums. If it is not caught early on, it can lead to very serious, costly issues. The first signs of gum disease are bleeding gums, a sore mouth, and pink or red gums that are easily irritated. Long-term smoking can make the problem worse, which is why it is imperative you see a dentist right away.
- Tooth loss – If you have developed gum disease because of smoking, chances are you at a much higher risk of tooth loss. Unfortunately, long-time smokers often lose their teeth and require dentures or other permanent replacements, which can be both expensive and embarrassing.
If you are a smoker who needs help quitting or would like to discuss your options with one of our Irving dentists, please do not hesitate to contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas. We will do everything we can to save your teeth and help you learn how to properly care for them so no further damage is incurred.
