TO
ORAL
PROBLEMS OF SMOKING
Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for our health. It can
cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal
diseases. However, many people don’t realise the damage that smoking
does to their mouth, gums and teeth.
Smoking can lead to tooth
staining, gum disease, tooth loss and in more severe cases mouth cancer.
One of the effects of smoking is staining on the teeth due to the
nicotine and tar content. It can make the teeth yellow in a very short
time, and heavy smokers often complain that their teeth are almost brown
after years of smoking.
Smoking can also lead to gum disease.
Patients who smoke are more likely
to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are
affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so
the infected gums fail to heal. Smoking causes people to have more
dental plaque and for gum disease to progress more rapidly than in
non-smokers. Gum disease still remains the most common cause of tooth
loss in adults.
Smoking causes lung and
throat cancer
Most people know that smoking can cause
lung and throat cancer, but many people are still unaware that it is one
of the main causes of mouth cancer too. Every year thousands of people
die from mouth cancer brought on by smoking.
In cases of these oral problems you
should make sure you take the following precautions
-
There are special toothpastes for people who smoke. They are
sometimes a little more abrasive than ordinary pastes and should be used
with care. Your dentist may recommend that you use these toothpastes
alternately with your usual toothpaste.
-
People who smoke may find they are more likely to have bad
breath than non-smokers. Fresh breath products such as mouthwashes may
help to disguise the problem in the short term, but will only mask it.
-
It is important that you visit your dentist regularly both for
a normal check up and a full mouth examination so that any other
conditions can be spotted early.You should visit your dentist at least
once a year. However, this may be more often if your dentist feels it
necessary. People who smoke are more likely to have stained teeth, and
therefore may need appointments more often with the dental hygienist.
You may rely on these solution for a
while but not for long since you may develop other respiratory
diseases so the best solution would be for you to quit smoking.Take care
my dear friends.
In case of any other information about other oral problems cause by
smoking please let me know by contacting me on my email address below: