Smoking: What it means for your oral health?

When people think of the harm caused due to smoking, you probably worry most about lung cancer. Most people think that as long as you get routine dental check-ups and brush your teeth twice every day, your oral health is in good shape and you need not worry much.

Tobacco smoke constricts the blood vessels, reducing blood supply to various organs and tissues, including the gums. Insufficient blood supply means insufficient oxygen supply to the gums.

Gum Disease

When your gums do not get enough oxygen, they become more susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is caused due to acids from plaque that first attack your gums and then the bone underneath and finally, the roots of your teeth.

Smoking causes the oxygen-deprived gums to recede even more quickly, exposing the tooth roots. Tooth roots do not have a protective enamel covering like the crowns of your teeth. Hence, the acids from plaque can damage the roots much more easily.

Oral Cancer

Smoking also contributes to mouth cancers. The toxic chemicals in the smoke from tobacco reaches inside the cells in the soft tissues of the mouth and makes them grow out of control, causing tumors. If an individual both drinks and smokes, the situation can become even worse. This is because the toxins in the smoke are able to dissolve in the alcohol in your mouth. This makes is easier for the toxins to pass through the cell membranes, creating tumors and cancer.

Breath

Cigarette smoke can make your breath smell terrible (especially, cigarettes and coffee are a nasty combo for your breath). Cigarette smoking also stains the teeth and tongue brown. This can have an adverse effect on your personal and professional life. Many people become self-conscious because of the stained teeth and bad breath, especially when you have an important meeting, interview, presentation, or even a date!

Doesn’t it make you think it is time you stopped? Reach out to an experienced dentist who can help you with your teeth and oral health. Meanwhile you can start working on smoking cessation.

Your oral health, in other words, what’s going on in your mouth is a big indicator of what’s going on in your body or overall health. Once you see a dentist, you’ll be amazed how quickly your oral health conditions can improve if you follow through!

To learn more about treatment for teeth cleaning, dental cavities and other dental issues, consult the leading Topeka Kansas dentist, call Covenant Family Dental Care at 785-268-6282 Today. The Covenant Family Dental Care team is committed to providing you a relaxing and positive dental health and care experience.