A Dental Office Phoenix Explains What Smoking Does to the Teeth
Most of us have been taught that smoking is not good for our health. However, the information given in school is not sufficient to understand the effects of smoking not only on our bodies but also on our oral health. The dentist in Phoenix, AZ, will take you through how smoking affects your teeth. Keep reading to learn more about smoking and what it does to your teeth.
What Does Smoking Do to Your Teeth?
When you smoke tobacco, the chemicals will first come in contact with your mouth and teeth before finding their way into the lungs. Therefore, it is imperative to note that cigarette smoking affects both your oral health and your smile.
Here are the problems associated with smoking.
Tooth Discoloration or Stained Teeth
As discussed earlier, when you smoke, the tobacco’s chemicals come into contact with your gums and teeth. As a result, the chemicals, nicotine, and tar seep through the cracks in your teeth’ enamel, leading to discoloration. In addition, the tar and nicotine seep through your enamel means you cannot brush away the resulting stains.
Moreover, you will notice a buildup of plaque in your teeth. Therefore, you should visit the dental offices near you so the dentist can perform deep cleanings to eliminate plaque.
Can Lead to Gum Disease
It is imperative to note that gum disease starts with bacterial growth in your mouth. The growth occurs whether you’re a chronic smoker or not. Nonetheless, the chances of gum disease are higher if you’re a regular smoker. This is because when you smoke, there is a buildup of plaque, and bacteria increase.
When there is an increase of bacteria in your mouth, it leads to gum disease, which can be dangerous to your oral health. If left unchecked, gum disease can advance to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease.
Additionally, when you smoke frequently, the chemicals in tobacco can interfere with your gum tissue cells. This interference can make you susceptible to oral issues, making it challenging to heal from a wound in your mouth.
Can Cause Oral Cancer
Genetic changes in your cells cause cancer. So, when you smoke, the chemicals in the tobacco can alter the cells in your oral cavity, leading to the growth of cancerous cells.
Oral cancer screening will be required so that the dentist can determine whether or not you have developed it. Because of this, you should go for regular oral cancer screening in the dental office near you. Preferably every three years. It would be best if you also looked out for loose teeth, bleeding and soreness in the mouth, dark red or white patches in your mouth, and ulcers on the lips that do not heal.
The bad thing about oral cancer is that it requires oral surgery and radiation therapy to eliminate the cancerous cells in your mouth.
Can Lead to Tooth Loss
You might wonder how it is possible to lose teeth because of smoking. The truth is that it is possible for smoking to lead to tooth loss. However, losing your natural teeth will not happen overnight but progressively.
Smoking leads to tooth loss when bacteria spread deep into your tooth’s roots and gums. The bacteria will lead to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis leads to gum recession which causes loose teeth. Moreover, a chronic smoker has a compromised immune system, letting the bacteria spread quickly.
When the bacteria have spread to almost every part of your teeth, it will lead to jaw deterioration, bone loss, and tooth loss. Tooth loss happens when the connective tissues in your jaw bone have been affected by the bacteria leaving no anchorage for your vulnerable teeth.
Therefore, smoking spells doom to the health of your teeth and gums. Moreover, smoking can lead to periodontitis and cause health complications like heart disease and diabetes. Your teeth do not decay due to cigarettes, but the tissues that hold your teeth to your jaw do. On top of that, your body has a weakened immune system making it challenging to keep infections at bay.
If you have a problem with smoking, head to Encanto Family Dental Care, and our dentist will help you recover from your addiction problem. What’s more, they will help you take better care of your teeth and gums for optimum health and a better smile.