Smoking is known for causing various health risks. You are probably familiar with the danger of smoking such as lung cancer and emphysema, but you may not know that smoking impacts your teeth negatively. If you have difficulties kicking the habit, you may want to have a closer look at what it does to your teeth and mouth.
It Yellows Your Pearly Whites
Smoking creates aesthetic effects of yellowing and staining your teeth. The chemicals in the tobacco can adhere to the enamel of teeth. In the long run, you have stained teeth. To attain a whiter smile, you have to quit smoking entirely. You may try whitening treatments, but they only slow down the staining on teeth. If you continue smoking, the staining gets worse. In the end, you may need to undergo costlier options such as implants or overlays.
It causes Bad Breath and Decay
Regular smokers are susceptible to the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. You will have to struggle with halitosis frequently if you continue smoking. Additionally, the overgrowth of bacteria raises your risk of having decay. Bacteria release acids that erode the enamel and contribute to decay.
It Increases the Dangers of Gum Disease
Smokers have a higher chance of having gum disease. If you fail to deal with the disease fast enough, it can result in tooth loss. Gum disease destroys the soft tissue as well as bone that anchors the teeth to the jawbone.
It Takes More Time to Heal
If you have to get dental care such as implants, tooth extraction, oral surgery or gum disease treatment, smoking makes it difficult to heal from the procedures. Smoking weakens the immune system and prevents the proper flow of blood to the site of treatment. You may have to deal with complications after your dental treatments. Get more information regarding the dangers of smoking to your oral health. Contact us today.
Smoking is known for causing various health risks. You are probably familiar with the danger of smoking such as lung cancer and emphysema, but you may not know that smoking impacts your teeth negatively. If you have difficulties kicking the habit, you may want to have a closer look at what it does to your teeth and mouth.