Whether you are a recent smoker or far gone in the habit, you now have more reasons to quit smoking. Studies show significant impacts of habitual tobacco use on oral health and dental treatments. Here is how smoking affects your teeth and how quitting the habit early may yet save them:
Teeth discolouration
Your teeth have little time to fight and recover from the bacteria in tobacco when you smoke regularly. Nicotine sticks to your teeth and gums, leaving dark spots. Combine your habit with poor oral hygiene and you may end up with permanent teeth stains.
Tooth decay
Smoking reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infection. The more you smoke, the higher the chances of bacteria ruining your teeth, causing decay.
Gum disease
The Journal of Clinical Periodontology revealed that smokers are about six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. The gradual plaque build-up causes gums to become inflamed and to recede. The same study showed that gum problems worsened for those who continued the habit.
Tooth Loss
Tissues and bones that put teeth and gums together recede as disease ravages your mouth. Your teeth will become loose, fall out or require extraction.
Failure of dental work
Researchers from Valencia University found out that about one in every three implant failures occurred in smokers; one in five patients with early failures smoked over 10 cigarettes per day. Tobacco can stop dental implants, fillings and other treatments from settling and doing what they are supposed to. Even if you wear aligners, tobacco may further weaken gums and bones, altering the outcome of your orthodontic treatment.
Quitting the habit saves your teeth
Researchers noted improvements in gum health for those who quit in a year. Participants experienced enhanced well-being and heightened senses of taste and smell, as well. A report by the European Working group revealed that stopping smoking eight weeks before receiving an implant significantly boosts the dental work’s effectiveness.
Smoking has detrimental effects to oral health and dental treatments. Oral health experts suggest proper oral care and regular visits to the dentist for counselling and treatment to save the smoker’s teeth. Dentists in Weybridge provide a wide range of dental treatments for healthy teeth and overall well-being. Contact us for more information about our services.