This year’s National No Smoking Day was on March 10th. It worked to highlight the detrimental effects of smoking – which include a variety of scientifically-proven dental issues.
The majority of people now understand that smoking is harmful to their health. It can cause a variety of medical issues, including lethal diseases in some situations. Many people, however, are unaware of the harm that smoking does to their lips, gums, and teeth.
Tobacco use can cause tooth discolouration, gum disease, tooth loss, and, in the worst-case scenario, mouth cancer.
How big an issue is smoking in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, smoking is still the largest cause of preventable death and disease. It accounts for half of the disparity in life expectancy between rich and poor people.
While smoking rates have decreased significantly in the previous 20 years, they remain high in disadvantaged populations. People who live in social housing, for example, smoke at nearly twice the rate of people who live in other forms of accommodation.
Smoking is also far more common among people with mental illnesses than it is among people who do not have mental illnesses. The repercussions of tobacco addiction can be felt in many areas of a smoker’s life.
Smoking and tooth discolouration
The nicotine and tar in tobacco cause teeth discolouration, which is one of the side effects of smoking. It can quickly turn your teeth yellow, and heavy smokers frequently remark that their teeth are nearly brown after years of smoking.
How does smoking affect my gums and teeth?
Gum disease is also a common bi-product of smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of developing bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are harmed because smoking depletes oxygen in the bloodstream, preventing infected gums from healing. Smoking generates greater dental plaque and accelerates the progression of gum disease compared to nonsmokers. In adults, gum disease is still the leading cause of tooth loss.
The link between smoking and cancer
Smoking causes lung and throat cancer, but many people are unaware that it is also one of the primary causes of mouth cancer. Every year, thousands of individuals die from mouth cancer induced by smoking.
Are there dental products available for smokers?
There are toothpastes specifically designed for smokers. They can be a little more abrasive than other toothpastes, so use caution when using them. Your dentist may advise you to use these toothpastes in addition to your regular toothpaste. There are a variety of ‘whitening’ toothpastes available. Although they have no influence on your teeth’s natural colour, they may be useful for eliminating stains and so improving their overall appearance.
Smokers are more prone than non-smokers to have poor breath. Mouthwashes and other fresh-breath items may temporarily mask the condition, but they will not heal it.
What should your dentist do for you?
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and entire mouth on a regular basis to ensure that they are healthy.
Your dentist will also check your cheeks, tongue, and throat for any signs of any problems that need to be investigated further.
They may also be able to connect you with organisations and self-help groups that may provide you with the most up-to-date information to assist you in quitting smoking.
Is any extra treatment needed?
A dental hygienist may be recommended by your dentist for additional treatment, thorough cleaning, and keeping a closer eye on the health of your mouth. Your dental hygienist will be able to tell you how often you should see them, but it is normally every three to six months.
Maintain your oral health or get expert medical advice from Etwall Dental Practice. If you feel as though you may require more information on how smoking affects your oral health or any other dental procedures, please get in touch with us via phone on 01283 733391 or fill out our contact form and a member of the team will get back to you to discuss treatment options.
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