Tobacco is one of the great enemies of dental health. In this article we will take a look at the consequences of tobacco on the health of our mouth and, surely, after reading this article you will understand the importance of avoiding this harmful habit.
Effects of tobacco on oral health
We will begin this list of the effects of tobacco on the health of our mouth by talking about the staining of teeth, that is, the teeth of a smoker will turn yellow due to the action of the nicotine and tar present in cigarettes. This situation seriously affects the patient’ s dental aesthetics. Halitosis or bad breath is another of the consequences of smoking and the main reason for this is that smoking increases the irritation and dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Although it does not directly affect oral health, it should be noted that tobacco limits the perception of tastes and smells, especially of salty foods.
Relationship between tobacco and periodontal diseases
Smoking dramatically increases the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. In fact, it is estimated that smokers are three times more likely to suffer from periodontitis as well as the progression of this disease will be faster compared to a non-smoker. One of the characteristics of periodontal diseases in smokers is that it is not always easy to diagnose because tobacco acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing the blood supply to the gums, so they will not swell too much, which is one of the main symptoms of this disease.
It is important to note that periodontal diseases are the main cause of tooth loss, so this is another excuse to avoid smoking.
It is precisely the reduced blood supply to the gums that makes the low success rate of dental treatment possible. Thus, we can affirm that tobacco will delay the healing of wounds after dental surgery, being, for example, the main cause of rejection of a dental implant.
Dental caries in smoking patients
It is now time to explain the relationship between caries and smoking, firstly by clarifying that smokers are more likely to develop caries.
One of the most frequently observed varieties of caries in people who smoke is located at the root of the tooth, a situation that is due to the fact that smoking causes the loss of tooth support and exposes the root of the tooth.
Smokers also decrease salivary secretion, making it easier for the bacteria that cause one of the most common and frequent oral diseases today.
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Finally, we will also mention oral cancer as another consequence of smoking, which mainly affects smokers because cigarettes contain a wide variety of carcinogenic substances.
Advice for patients who smoke
It is obvious that the best advice we could give to a smoker is to quit the habit, but we are dealing with an addiction that is not always easy to kick. Right? That is why we have to apply a series of practical tips that will be of great help when it comes to preventing all kinds of dental diseases.
First of all, we must be strict with our oral hygiene routine, brushing after every meal and flossing daily. In addition, we will complete this routine with the use of mouthwashes or mouth rinses.
Regular visits to the dentist are another of the most useful pieces of advice for smokers. It should be borne in mind that through these regular visits we will be able to know the state of the patient’s teeth (as well as the rest of the oral tissues). Thanks to these examinations, not only can we carry out all kinds of preventive techniques, but we can also treat oral diseases in their initial phase, which can be resolved simply and quickly.
In short, tobacco is one of the great enemies of oral health.
Agenta tu primera cita con el dentista en Mexicali, México.
This post is purely informational and does not replace a consultation with the dentist in any way. Contact the smile agents team to schedule an appointment with one of the dentists at Smilers Dental Clinic.
