Smoking and dental health

Dental health and smoking.

Smoking leads to dental problems, including:

Halitosis(Bad Breath)
Discoloration of teeth
Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
Increased build up of calculus and plaque.
Increased loss of bone within the jaw
Increased risk of lleukoplakia, white patches in mouth.
Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss
Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery
Lower success rate of dental implant procedures
Increased risk of developing oral cancer

How Does Smoking Lead to Gum Disease?

Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gingivitis by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth More specifically, it appears that smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections, such as periodontal disease, and also seems to impair flow of blood to the gums - which may affect wound healing.

Do Pipe and Cigar Smoking Cause Dental Problems?

Yes, like cigarettes, pipes and cigars do lead to oral health problems. Smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss that anchors teet hat rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers also have a similar risk of tooth loss as cigarette smokers. Beyond these risks, pipe and cigar smokers are still at risk for oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancers -- even if they don't inhale -- and other oral consequences like bad breath and risk of developing oral cancer and increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease.

While most people are aware of the impact tobacco use has on their overall health, some might not consider its effects on oral health, including:

50 percent of smoking adults have gum (periodontal) disease.
Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.
Cigarette smokers are nearly twice as likely to need root canal treatment.
Smoking leads to reduced effectiveness of treatment for gum disease.
Smoking increases risk of mouth pain, cavities and gum recession (which can lead to tooth loss).
Tobacco reduces the body's ability to fight infection, including in the mouth and gums. Smoking also limits the growth of blood vessels, slowing the healing of gum tissue after oral surgery or from injury.
Smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips. Users of smokeless tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop these cancers than non-users.
Cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff and unprocessed tobacco leaves (used as cigar wrappers) contain tiny particles that are abrasive to teeth. When mixed with saliva and chewed, an abrasive paste is created that wears down teeth over time.

Tobacco use and children

All parents, even those who do not use tobacco, should educate their children about the dangers of smoking:

3,000 children and teens become regular users each day (including chewing tobacco).
Nearly one-quarter of all high school students smoke.
Some tobacco companies target children with cherry-flavored chewing tobacco sold in colorful containers.
Children exposed to tobacco smoke may have delays in the formation of their permanent teeth.
Women who smoke may be more likely to have children born with an oral cleft (cleft lip or cleft palate).

Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.