People who smoke are more likely to experience difficulties with their gums and teeth, have difficulty healing after oral surgeries, and acquire mouth cancer. Both infections and wounds heal more slowly for smokers than for non-smokers. Quitting smoking will help minimize the chance of gum disease and mouth cancer, and make treatment more effective. It is crucial for smokers to have frequent dental visits for both preventative care and to screen for oral cancer. Vapers should also make frequent trips to the dentist to catch any issues early and get treatment. Make sure your dentist knows if you use e-cigarettes.
Tooth Loss Is Preventable
Stopping tooth loss before it happens is crucial. Chewing might become difficult if you lose teeth at the rear of your mouth. The ability to eat, look well, and communicate properly are all negatively impacted by missing front teeth. The bottom portion of the face is held together in large part by the teeth as well.
The Link between Smoking and Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and supporting bones of the teeth. In order to chew food, this bone anchors the teeth to the jawbone.
Gum disease can be brought on by the mouth’s bacterial and food waste amalgamation, known as dental plaque.
Plaque, if left on teeth and gums, will eventually solidify into tartar. Plaque and calculus are the causes of gum inflammation. Those who smoke frequently exhibit this behaviour.
There are two phases of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Without proper periodontal care, the tissues and bone that anchor the tooth to the gum might deteriorate, resulting in tooth loss. Loose teeth can either fall out on their own or need to be extracted by a dentist.
Also Read: Periodontics In Toronto
Smoking Increases Gum Disease
Gum disease is more likely to occur:
- If you smoke fewer than ten cigarettes each day is not at all.
- The likelihood of this happening increases by a factor of 4 or 5 for heavy smokers.
Possible outcomes of smoking include:
- Inability to eat particular foods, express oneself effectively or feel confident when smiling because of tooth loss (whether partial or complete).
- It might be trickier to spot signs of gum disease. Tobacco smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, reducing the likelihood that you may have bleeding gums, a common symptom of gum disease. Fail to benefit as much as non-smokers from gum therapy (professional dental cleaning).
- When one consumes alcohol, one increases their chance of developing severe periodontal disease.
- Possess a greater potential for acquiring acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. This illness is extremely unpleasant to experience and produces excruciating agony.
Will Quitting Smoking Help My Gums?
Yes. When it comes to gum disease, the good news is that ex-smokers are just as likely to benefit from therapy as non-smokers and have the same risk factors.
Don’t be surprised if you see an increase in gum bleeding after you quit smoking. Visit a dentist or dental hygienist for help. How to take care of your teeth at home is something they may also teach you.
Also Read: Best Treatment For Sensitive Teeth
Avoiding Oral Health Issues among Smokers
You may avoid dental issues associated with smoking by doing the following:
- Consult your medical professional or dentist for advice and assistance if you’re trying to kick the habit.
- If you’re having trouble kicking the habit altogether, reducing your cigarette consumption may help.
- Twice a day, use fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and gums.
- If you have any spaces between your teeth, use dental floss or an interdental brush once a day to clean them.
- The recommended frequency of dental checkups is every 6-12 months. They may help you take better care of your teeth and gums at home and detect issues before they become serious. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums via routine dental checkups is important.
- Don’t let your mouth get too dry. It’s important to keep your salivary glands active, so be sure you hydrate well and chew sugar-free gum. This is crucial if you take any drugs that might cause dry mouth.
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol and other drugs.
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Call Dental Land in Summerhill if you have any oral or dental problems.
