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Many studies have proven the ill effects of smoking on your overall health, but it can also greatly affect your teeth, gums, jawbone and mouth tissues. Studies have found that tobacco use may be one of the biggest risk factors in the development of periodontal disease. Now, with knowing these risks, don't you think that you should quit smoking or not even start the habit? It is best to never start smoking, but if you have already begun, quit as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your teeth or gums. The effects of smoking make it extremely difficult to live a healthy lifestyle. So if you don't smoke, don't start. And if you do, quit now with help from your dentist. What if I am a Smoker? If you are a smoker, your dental care needs are considerably more demanding than those of a non-smoker. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of tooth loss and also increases your risk for periodontal disease, loss of bone structure, inflammation of the salivary gland, leukoplakia and development of lung, throat or oral cancer. Additionally, other factors for smokers to consider are: • A consistent build-up of plaque and tartar
• Stained teeth
• Bad breath
• The loss of taste and smell With the decreased flow of saliva in smokers, they have been shown to have more tartar build-up than non-smokers. Smoking tobacco products can make gum disease worsen more quickly. In several studies, smokers were three to six times more likely to have gum destruction than non-smokers and severe bone loss was five times greater among current or former heavy smokers. The Basics of Gum Disease Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that destroys soft tissue and bone that anchor your teeth to your jawbones. Bacteria grow in the dental plaque that forms in the pockets around your teeth, causing your body's reaction to the plaque to the breakdown of soft tissue and bone.
Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque, which is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus or tartar. Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and breakdown the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria.
As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper, and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth will eventually fall out or require extraction. Some signs of gum disease include: • Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Gums that pull away from teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between the gum and tooth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites
• A change in the fit of dentures If you are a smoker, it is very important to either quit or frequent your dentist more often. Regular visits to your dentist in Fort Wayne will allow your dentist to monitor the progress of your teeth and recommend any treatments to protect your teeth. As a smoker your teeth are highly susceptible to various oral health problems and diseases.
Sean Hartmen writes for Middleton Family Dentistry, a dentist in Fort Wayne. Offering dental care in all phases of dentistry, including Cerec, and implants, this Fort Wayne dentist is qualified to handle the oral health needs for patients of every age.
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