Many studies have shown that smoking and using tobacco products has a detrimental effect on your teeth and gums. The problem is caused by the fact that tobacco affects the gum tissue cells, making smokers more prone to getting infections in the form of gum and periodontal diseases. Other negative effects of smoking are: bad breath, stained teeth, jawbone loss, shrinking gums, mouth sores, decreased senses of taste and smell, poor healing of mouth sores and hairy tongue.
In addition to this, most people don’t know that smoking is the main cause of mouth cancer, with thousands of people dying every year from mouth cancer brought on by smoking.
As dental professionals it is important for us to tell you the risks for smoking and to help you to quit by giving you information and support. By cutting down and stopping smoking or using tobacco products your oral health will benefit very quickly and you will notice certain changes in your mouth. It is essential that you come into the practice for regular check-ups so we can help you maintain good oral health and give you advice and encouragement.
