What Effects Does Smoking Have on Your Teeth?
Discoloration of the teeth
You are robbing yourself of the ability to keep your teeth naturally white if you smoke a pack of cigarettes every day. Imagine your teeth as a porcelain vase for a moment. The enamel on your teeth is similar to a porcelain finish, with fine fissures. As you get older and use your teeth more, those cracks absorb everything you put in your mouth.
When you smoke a cigarette, nicotine, and tar soak into the cracks and settle in. You're not going to be able to brush them off.
Tooth stains are produced by a variety of factors other than poor brushing habits. Plaque and tartar will form on your teeth as a result of the nicotine and tar in cigarettes.
If you've been a smoker for a long time, teeth whitening will be required to maintain your pearly whites.
What Role Does Smoking Play in Tooth Loss?
If you're a chronic smoker, you have a lower likelihood of retaining your natural teeth for various reasons.
Healing Time Is Delayed
Tobacco use limits the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. It's crucial to remember that oxygen is required for your body's healing processes. A persistent smoker will heal more slowly and have a lengthier recovery time if they have an oral disease or dental disorders that necessitate surgical operations (tooth extractions, dental implants, root canals, etc.). In addition, because your gums may not be able to heal correctly, smokers are at a higher risk of infection.
Gum Disease is more likely to occur.
Smoking is a pivotal contributor to gum disease, one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. In addition, chronic smokers have a faster progression of gum disease. As a result, smokers lose their teeth and have a lower success rate with dental implant surgeries than nonsmokers.
Gum Disease Progression
It's crucial to note that gum disease starts with bacterial development in your mouth, whether you smoke. Some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease, but smoking increases your risk by introducing bacteria to your mouth regularly. Plaque forms as a result of tobacco, and bacteria levels rise. When you brush your teeth, your gums become inflamed, and you may see more blood on your toothbrush or in your saliva.
Gingivitis, a frequent gum disease, begins here. When gingivitis is not treated correctly, the gum disease advances to periodontitis. The inner layer of the gum and bone starts to separate from the teeth due to periodontitis. Pockets grow between the teeth and the gums as a result.
Bacteria, as well as residues, begin to accumulate in such pockets, and illness ensues. Naturally, the immune system goes into overdrive to fight the infection at this point. But on the other hand, smokers have a weakened immune system, which allows the disease to spread and flourish beneath the gum line.
From the bone to the connective tissue that supports your teeth in place, everything suffers at this stage. Toxins produced by the bacteria tear down your bone and connective tissue. As the bone and tissue are gradually eroded, you may see loose teeth at this point. In addition, because there is no anchor to keep your teeth in place, they frequently fall out.
The "smoking gun" of tooth loss is cigarettes. Cigarettes do not cause tooth decay, but everything that attaches your teeth to your jaw does. In addition, because of your weakened immunity, your body cannot fight off the infections that cause this erosion.
At River District Smiles Dentistry, we recommend quitting smoking immediately if you are concerned about tooth loss. We can help with quitting smoking methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications, to help you kick the habit for good. With a balanced diet and regular brushing and flossing habits, we can keep your teeth white and healthy for years to come. Call us today!
Resources:
https://www.peeplocal.com/rock-hill/health-care/river-district-smiles-dentistry
https://www.announceamerica.com/united-states/rock-hill/health/river-district-smiles-dentistry
https://www.globaldyrectory.com/listing/river-district-smiles-dentistry/
https://www.freelistingusa.com/listings/river-district-smiles-dentistry
http://www.justaroundtown.com/directory/listingdisplay.aspx?lid=722681#.YnHdYNpBzDd