Cigarette smoking is an unhealthy habit for the entire body but also poses adverse impacts on the dental structures mainly the teeth and gums. The following are the effects of tobacco in relation to dental health; the chemicals found in tobacco are capable of causing different dental problems, which may be cosmetic and / or functional in nature. Here are some key effects of smoking on teeth:Here are some key effects of smoking on teeth:
- Staining and Discoloration
In as much as there are several signs that are associated with smoking, dental staining is perhaps among the most apparent. Smoke producers, such as tar and nicotine in tobacco, usually result in yellow or brown colors of the teeth, making a person’s smile less appealing. In the course of time, this staining becomes darker and may need the intervention of a dentist in Karachi.
- Bad Breath
Cigarette smoking leads to chronic bad breath also referred to as halitosis which may be due to chemicals in tobacco and smoking’s effect of causing dryness in the mouth. The stench from this organism is less pleasant and can be rather invasive and challenging to unmask; this may cause embarrassment in public places.
- Gum Disease
Tobacco use is also among considerations that put an individual at risk of developing gum disease (periodontal disease). Many chemicals found in tobacco products can cause gum diseases, including reduced blood supply to the area that hinders the flow of blood and the body’s capacity to combat infections. Tobacco users have an increased risk of contracting gingivitis and periodontitis which causes inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and tooth loss in dire cases if not treated.
- Delayed Healing
If dental surgery is required like tooth extraction or periodontal surgery, smokers will take longer to heal. Due to the negligence of blood flow and a poor immunity system in smokers, they are more likely to suffer from complications or even a longer time to be treated.
- Tooth Loss
Smoking has negative consequences on the teeth and gums; it leads to tooth loss because of improved vulnerability to gum diseases and other dental complications in the long-term. Kampf opines that patients who smoke are more susceptible to substantial tooth loss than non-smokers and this affects their functions and aesthetics.
- Oral Cancer
Tobacco use is a strong predictor of oral cancer that can develop in the lips, tongue, throat and other regions of the mouth. Oral cancer can cause grave health effects and may progress to other forms of cancer or treatment that harms the human mouth further.
- Dry Mouth
Tobacco use of which includes smoking can contribute to xerostomia which is a medical term used to refer to dry mouth. It plays a major role in debunking acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and rinsing the mouth of food particles. Little production of saliva raises a person’s susceptibility to tooth decay, bacteria, and gum infections.
- Altered Taste and Smell
One of the immediate effects of smoking is that it inhibits the act of taste and smell; thus has a capacity to affect how a person relishes on foods and drinks. This shift can result in undesirable eating habits and consequently have negative impacts on the oral and systemic health status.
Conclusion
Smoking leads to the discolouration of teeth and has a severe impact on the oral health of a person in several ways. Smoking affects the general health and wellbeing of an individual and it also compromises dental health adding risks such as staining and gum diseases, oral cancer among them. Smoking cessation significantly contributes to the improvement of the quality of oral health and people interested in retaining proper dental health should consider finding ways to stop smoking. If your dental health is affected visit a dentist in Lahore.
