Did you start smoking as a casual habit that’s now a daily routine? You’re not alone. But have you considered the toll it’s taking on your body? Every cigarette you light cuts your life short by a whopping 11 minutes. While that might seem like a small amount of time, imagine the countless packs you’ve smoked over the years. It adds up. And it’s not just your overall health that suffers; your smile is paying the price too.
Dentists in Campbelltown and around the world agree: smoking is a major enemy of oral health. Beyond the obvious yellow stains, cigarettes can cause a whole host of serious dental problems.
Learning these risks of smoking is essential for maintaining both overall and oral health. In this blog, you will learn how cigarettes can cause dental problems and why quitting them is extremely important. Keep reading!
Dental Problems Caused by Smoking
Following are some problems caused by smoking:
Oral Cancer
Shockingly, smoking can lead to oral cancer. Do you know tobacco contains chemicals like carcinogens? Carcinogens can cause mutations in our mouth and throat cells, leading to cancer. The early signs of oral cancer include:
Whites & red patches inside the mouth,
sores that don’t heal,
and lumps.
Regular dental checkups with the best dentist in Campbelltown every three to six months can help detect any such dental problems early. Remember, cigarette boxes themselves say it’s harmful, what’s the point of smoking?
Discoloration and Yellowish Staining
The other dental problem caused by smoking is tooth discolouration. Cigarettes contain tar and nicotine, which easily adhere to tooth enamel, causing yellow or brown stains. These stains are actually difficult to remove with brushing. You need to reach out to a professional dentist for cleaning or whitening treatments.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease. As we know, cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals which are harmful to our health. These chemicals in cigarettes impair the attachment of bone and soft tissue to teeth, making smokers more susceptible to infections. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers.
Symptoms include:
Red, swollen gums
Bleeding while brushing
Loose teeth
Tooth Decay
The reduction in saliva production caused by smoking leads to dry mouth, which is a contributing factor to tooth decay. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralising acids and washing away food particles and bacteria. When saliva levels are low, plaque builds up more easily, increasing your risk of cavities and other dental problems.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath is a common complaint among smokers. The chemicals in tobacco smoke linger in the mouth, throat, and lungs, resulting in a persistent, unpleasant odour. Additionally, smoking reduces the sense of smell, making it harder for smokers to realise the extent of their bad breath. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve bad breath and overall oral health. The best dentist Campbelltown can provide support and guidance on quitting smoking and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Delayed Healing
Smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal itself, which can complicate dental procedures. Whether it’s a simple tooth extraction or more complex surgeries like implants or gum grafts, smokers often experience delayed healing and higher complication rates. This is due to the reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the affected areas.
A particularly serious complication associated with smoking and dental procedures is dry socket. This painful condition occurs when the blood clot that forms in the tooth extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing the underlying bone. Smoking increases the risk of dry socket by disrupting the blood clot formation and creating suction that can dislodge the clot.
To prevent dry socket and promote healing, it’s crucial to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after a tooth extraction.
Weakened Immune System
Smoking compromises the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those in the mouth. This weakened defence mechanism means that smokers are more prone to oral infections and slower to recover from them.
How to Minimise the Dental Problem Risk?
Now, the question arises, how to reduce these problems? The answer is, by reading the following ways:
Quit Smoking
The family dentist Campbelltown says that the most effective way to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of smoking is to quit it right away. Here are some tips to help you quit:
Seek support: Seeking support from healthcare providers, support groups, and smoking cessation programs.
Set a quit date: By choosing a date to quit smoking and stick to it. This gives you a clear view to work towards your goal and prepares you both mentally and physically.
Increase physical activity: Physical activity can help reduce cravings and improve your mood. Even a short walk or a few minutes of stretching can make a big difference.
Remember, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your oral health.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help reduce the buildup of plaque and bacteria. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist and wash away food particles and bacteria. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help increase saliva production.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to keep your teeth and gums strong. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can cause cavities.
Conclusion
Remember, smoking is equally harmful to your oral health as it is to your heart and lungs. It can cause permanent damage, so it’s time to quit now! Take help from the best dentist in Campbelltown to help you move towards a healthy lifestyle. Book an appointment in Bradbury Dental Surgery to get treatment from the best dentist in town. Book your slot today!
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