- Smoking and tobacco use are known as a major risk factor for oral and many other cancers. Smokers are also at a 10 times higher risk for oral cancer compared to non-smokers.
- Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Smoking harms nearly every bodily organ and organ system in the body and weakens a person’s overall health. It causes cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, liver, bladder, pancreas, kidney, stomach, cervix, colon, and rectum.
Did you know that cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, of which at least 250 are harmful, and 70 are known to cause cancer? These toxic substances include carcinogens like formaldehyde, arsenic, and benzene, all of which pose serious risks to both general and oral health.
Smoking is widely known to cause a range of serious health issues, but its effects on oral health are often overlooked. Let’s break down the negative effects of smoking and tobacco use on our oral health.
Oral Cancer
One of the most serious consequences of smoking is the increased risk of oral cancer. Smoking and tobacco use are the leading cause of cancers in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Smokers are also at a 10 times higher risk for oral cancer compared to non-smokers.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for gum disease, or periodontitis, a severe infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Studies show that smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease compared to non-smokers. Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections, and it reduces blood flow to the gums, impairing their healing process.
Tooth Loss
Due to the damaging effects on the gums and supporting bone, smokers are at higher risk for tooth loss. Gum disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss, and as smoking accelerates the progression of periodontitis, many smokers experience tooth loss earlier in life. Research shows that male smokers are up to 3.6 times more likely, and female smokers are 2.5 times more likely, to experience tooth loss.
Delayed Healing After Dental Procedures
Smoking can slow the healing process after oral surgeries or procedures such as tooth extractions or dental implants. The chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow and interfere with the body’s ability to generate new tissue, which can lead to complications and slower recovery times.
Stained Teeth and Bad Breath
Nicotine and tar from smoking can cause significant discoloration of the teeth, leading to persistent yellow or brown stains that are difficult to remove. Smoking also dries out the mouth, reducing saliva production, which can lead to bad breath and increase the risk of tooth decay. Smoking contributes to persistent halitosis, making it difficult to maintain fresh breath, even with regular brushing and oral hygiene.
See also
Oral Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention
Smoking has far-reaching effects on your oral health, from increased risk of gum disease and tooth loss to a heightened likelihood of oral cancer. The longer you smoke, the greater the damage, but it’s never too late to quit and start improving your oral health.
Quitting smoking is an effective way to protect your oral and overall health. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene, and professional cleanings can help manage the damage caused by smoking.
At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, our dentists, specialists, and hygienists are experienced in providing care for smokers and can offer guidance on treatments to improve oral health after quitting. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 04 394 7777 today.
