Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits you can have in regards to your dental health. It can affect your teeth, gums and tongue both aesthetically and health-wise. Take the advice of your dentist, and stop smoking and using other tobacco products if you want to avoid the complications it can cause.
One of the most dangerous consequences of smoking when it comes to your oral health is oral cancer. While not all smokers will develop oral cancer, the American Cancer Society states that around 90 percent of oral cancer sufferers were tobacco users.
Smoking can also lead to periodontal disease (gum disease) by interfering with the normal function of the gums and slowing down blood flow to the tissues of the mouth. This makes smokers more susceptible to infection, and can lead to the detachment of teeth from the soft tissues of the gums. Smokers who use pipes or cigars instead of cigarettes are just as likely to develop bone loss and other oral issues as cigarette smokers.
Cigarette users heal more slowly and can have more complications after a dental procedure, such as wisdom teeth removal or the insertion of dental implants. They also experience higher rates of receding gums, which can lead to tooth loss. People who smoke have higher levels of tartar build-up than non-smokers.
Aesthetically speaking, smoking can cause a yellowing of the teeth and even the tongue. It can also cause the formation of white patches inside the mouth, and the development of bad breath. Smokeless tobacco, such as chew, still has these harmful effects.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your oral health. If you are already experiencing any of these issues due to your smoking habit, call our Pleasanton TX office at 830-549-2025 immediately for a consultation.
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