Smoking and Oral Health

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.

Tooth staining

One of the effects of smoking is staining on the teeth due to the nicotine and tar content of cigarettes. It can make teeth very yellow in a very short time, and heavy smokers often complain that their teeth are almost brown after years of smoking.

How smoking affects gums and teeth

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.

How smoking is linked with 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 cancer

What your dentist can do for you

Your dentist will carry out a regular examination to make sure that your teeth and gums and whole mouth are healthy. Your dentist will also examine your cheeks, tongue and throat for any sign of other conditions that may need more investigation.

Additional treatment

Your dentist may also refer you to our dental hygienist for further treatment, thorough cleaning and to keep a closer check on your oral hygiene.