How Could Smoking Affect my Teeth and Gums?

The consequences of smoking can take decades to manifest. In addition to an increased risk of cancer, smoking can lead to premature ageing and damage to the teeth and gums. Let’s spend a few moments together taking a closer look at the effects smoking can have on your oral health and the steps that can be taken to mitigate and treat the damage.

Smoking and Gum Disease

As smoking leads to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, smokers are more likely to experience gum problems over their lifetime. The combination of chemicals present in tobacco can cause gum disease, which if left untreated might develop into periodontitis. Periodontists is a leading cause of tooth loss and on average people smoking a packet of cigarettes a day will lose two teeth every 10 years.

Heavy smokers are around six times more likely to develop gum disease or periodontitis, whereas those smoking less than half a packet of cigarettes a day are typically only three times more likely to develop these issues when compared to non-smokers.

Smoking and Plaque, Tartar and Discolouration

Tobacco chemicals also affect the flow of saliva in the mouth, which can make it easier for oral bacteria to stick to the gums and teeth. If this build-up of plaque is not removed from the teeth and gums daily, it can harden and transform into tartar which is so hard and difficult to remove that it will require a professional clean to treat effectively.

Additionally, the nicotine and tar that can be found in cigarettes can cause staining and yellowing of the teeth at a rapid pace. Implementing a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine alongside attending frequent appointments with a hygienist can help, however keeping your teeth pearly white as a smoker will be extremely challenging.

Treatments for Smoking Related Dental Issues

As a Petersfield dentist, I understand that the appearance of our smiles can have a huge impact on our overall levels of self-esteem and confidence. If you are experiencing discoloration or have already lost teeth to gum disease caused by smoking, there are a range of treatments that could restore your smile.

Treatments will depend both on your circumstances and your expectations, however examples of the procedures I might recommend include: a course of professional teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, and complete smile design treatments. It is also worth noting that patients who smoke are not always suitable for more complex dental treatments, as it can affect the healing process. This is why I will always explain all the options available to you during your consultation and work with you to devise a course of treatment that will help you to achieve the results you are hoping for.

On a more general level, I also recommend attending frequent check-ups with your dentist. This is something I recommend for every patient, but especially for smokers who might benefit from more frequent check-ups every three months. During this consultation, I will examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy, and look closely at your tongue, throat and cheeks for any signs of symptoms that might require some further investigation.

If you would like to book in for a consultation here with one of our dentists or hygienists, or are looking to obtain some more information on how to protect your teeth and gums from damage caused by smoking, please contact our friendly team here at The Lodge Dental Practice on 01730 266350. We’re looking forward to looking after you and your oral health.