Smoking is injurious to health. Amongst all the other body parts that it affects, oral health is one important aspect. Smoking can cause irreversible damage to the gums, teeth and the mouth. In fact, many dental problems could well be a result of smoking. Here is all that you need to know about smoking and oral health.
Smoking effects oral health in numerous ways
Your teeth and mouth is affected in more way than just one. Amidst various other ill effects of smoking, teeth staining is the most common. People who smoke on a regular basis could have stained or discolored teeth. Some people may have completely brown teeth after several years of smoking. This is due to the presence of nicotine and tar in cigarettes.
Smoking not just affects the teeth but the gums as well. It could lead to several gum diseases. Regular smoking causes the development of bacterial plaque on the gums. This, in turn, leads to various gum diseases. Further on, smoking cuts down the amount of oxygen present in the mouth. This slows down the process of healing of gums. As a result, the overall condition of gums worsens further.
While smoking can cause numerous dental problems, it can even lead to life threatening problems such as oral cancer. Smoking is one of the prime causes of cancer. Thousands of smokers die every year due to mouth or oral cancer.
Dental care for smokers
Your teeth anyways need a great deal of care and attention. But, if you are indulging in unhealthy habits like smoking, you need to take extra care of your teeth. One of the first things you need to do in this direction is use special toothpastes that are meant specifically for smokers.
These special toothpastes are more abrasive and help remove any chemicals that may be sticking to your teeth. You may also consider using certain whitening toothpastes as they can help remove any stains or any kind of teeth discoloration. However, you need to be careful while using these toothpastes. Make sure that you do not overuse them. It is recommended that you use them alternatively with a normal toothpaste.
Using mouthwashes on a regular basis can also help smokers take care of their teeth. Mouthwashes not just help disguise the problem of bad breath but also rinse away any chemicals that may be sticking to the teeth. However, these mouthwashes help only for a short time.
Visiting the dentist on a frequent basis is also important for those who smoke. This is because the dentist will be able to spot any kind of dental problems at an early stage and prevent further damage. Your dentist will check not just your teeth and gums but also ascertain the overall health of your mouth.
Say no to smoking if you want sound oral health. And, if you can't quit completely, make sure that you give your oral health a little more extra care and attention.
|