General Dentistry Information – Smoking and Your Teeth

General Dentistry Kennewick, WA

Smoking can affect the health of the entire mouth, causing concern in general dentistry. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes can have adverse effects on not only the teeth but other structures inside the mouth as well. In fact, using tobacco in any form can affect oral health.

The effects of tobacco on dental health can sometimes be severe. Tobacco cessation can encourage improvements in oral health as well as the patient's general condition.

How does tobacco affect oral health?

When a smoker goes in for a general dentistry examination, the dentist looks for signs of specific oral health problems that are common with tobacco use.

Tooth discoloration

Most people's teeth are not perfectly white, but because tobacco causes stains on the surface of the enamel, the teeth of a smoker are more likely to be yellow or brown. A person who smokes often over a long period is likely to see more discoloration of the teeth develop at a faster pace. However, even people who do not smoke much but do so regularly may notice at least some staining.

Bad breath

While the fumes from a cigarette are odoriferous, it is not actually the smoke itself that causes tobacco users to have bad breath. Tobacco use decreases the production of saliva in the mouth. This promotes an environment in which bacteria can thrive. It is the byproducts of the bacterial growth that cause a smoker to have bad breath.

Tooth decay

Because of the decreased saliva production in the mouth, plaque and tartar can build up more easily on the teeth. This can lead to large cavities, especially along the gumline. If the damage is severe enough, the teeth can also break.

Periodontal disease

When bacteria build up along the gum line due to decreased saliva production, it can cause infection. Smoking also seems to impair blood flow to the gums and interfere with the normal function of cells. By affecting the attachment of the soft tissue of the gums to the bone of the teeth, tobacco can lead to periodontal disease.

Tooth loss

Periodontal disease decreases the strength of the gums and can progress to the jaw, resulting in bone loss. The combination of severe tooth decay, periodontal disease, and bone loss in the jaw can cause the teeth to loosen or fall out completely.

Oral cancer

Using tobacco increases a patient's likelihood of developing oral cancer by six times compared to non-users. Out of patients who have cancer of the throat, lips, and tongue, 90% are tobacco users. If oral cancer goes undetected, it is more likely to spread to other areas of the body.

How does quitting help?

Smoking cessation helps to reduce the risk of serious oral health issues, such as cancer, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Even in patients who already have periodontal disease from smoking, quitting tobacco use can help to slow the progression of the disease to the point where it might not result in tooth loss. Patients who stop using tobacco see both immediate and long-term improvements in oral health.

Conclusion

Tobacco use can cause serious oral health issues. With the help of general dentistry, quitting can result in significant improvements.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gledhilldental.com or call Gledhill Dental at (509) 800-8410 for an appointment in our Kennewick office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Kennewick, WA.

Related Posts

What A General Dentist Does To Promote Gum Health

There are many ways that a general dentist can promote gum health. Your gums play an important role in supporting your teeth and providing a barrier against harmful bacteria, so it is critical that they remain healthy and strong. Keeping your gums healthy can also help prevent tooth loss and decrease heart attack risk. The…

How Your Dentist May Treat A Toothache

A toothache can do more than cause you pain and swelling. A painful tooth means a possible infection that can cause fever, earache, and migraine. If left untreated, a toothache can cause serious complications to your health. Recurring tooth pain should be taken seriously and requires the attention of a dental professional.Dentists treat each case…

Things To Know About Cavities

Having cavities is one of the main reasons patients seek out the help of their dentist. Although you should go to your dentist regularly, many patients don't take the time for several reasons. However, it is difficult to ignore a cavity. It is not unusual for people to see their dentist because their cavity has…

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

For patients who have been avoiding seeing a general dentist because of fear or apprehension, it may be helpful to know that they are not alone. A 2015 study published in Dental Research Journal found that 58.8% of dental patients surveyed experienced dental anxiety. For patients with severe dental phobia, there are several steps they…

Related Posts

Tips For Oral Hygiene Basics

4 Tips For Oral Hygiene Basics

A healthy smile requires a lifetime of focusing on oral hygiene basics. Even if you currently have healthy teeth and history of proper dental care, a review of best practices is helpful to maintain good daily habits.Focus on the details of these broad oral hygiene basics to ensure you retain your healthy, natural pearly whites…

What To Do Before A Teeth Whitening Treatment

What To Do Before A Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening agent to brighten your smile. Before the procedure, there are some things you can do to help you properly prepare for treatment. This review discusses how you can prepare before a teeth whitening treatment to ensure the safest and most effective results.Every patient will have a unique…