If you use tobacco, we don’t have to tell you how detrimental the habit is to your health. The effects of smoking have an impact on nearly every area of your body, and you may already know that smokers are at a higher risk for oral and several other cancers.
But did you know that tobacco use can also put your oral health at risk?
We aren’t going to lecture you about smoking because you have likely heard it all before. But our job is to make you are aware of habits like smoking that can affect your oral health.
Tobacco Use and Oral Health
Here are three ways that smoking and tobacco use impact your oral health:
Tooth staining – It is challenging to smoke and still maintain a bright, white smile. The surface of your teeth have microscopic pores that attract tar and nicotine and stain your teeth yellow in a short amount of time. Staining doesn’t just affect your oral health either; nobody wants to show off yellowed teeth, and your confidence plummets because you know your smile doesn’t look healthy.
Periodontal disease – Gum disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and supporting structures of your teeth. Smoking weakens your immune system, so you are more prone to gum infections. For the same reason, it is harder for your gums to heal after they have been damaged.
Tooth loss – One of the effects of advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is bone loss, which ultimately leads to tooth loss. As a smoker, since you are more prone to gum infections, you are also at a higher risk for tooth loss.
We Are Here to Help
If you use tobacco, please don’t avoid dental treatment because you think you will be judged. As a top dentist in Huntsville, Dr. David King just wants you to enjoy the best oral health possible. Please call us so we can monitor your oral health and make sure your smile is as healthy as it can be.
