Effects of Tobacco Use on Oral Health

Tobacco use is a major public health concern worldwide. Many people know that smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to serious health problems. However, they may not realize just how harmful tobacco is to oral health specifically.
Let’s learn more about it here.

The Impact of Smoking on Oral Health

People who smoke are at a higher risk for tooth loss, gum problems, and issues after dental surgery. They are also more likely to develop mouth cancer. This is because they usually have a harder time healing from infections compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk of mouth cancer and gum disease. It also helps improve the body's response to gum treatment. It is really important for smokers to visit their dentist regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy and to check for any signs of mouth cancer. Vapers should also see a dentist regularly to catch and treat any oral health issues. If you vape, be sure to let your dentist know. Fewer adults smoke now than in the past, but it is still a concern. In 2018, about 10.7% of adults in Victoria were smokers.

What Oral Health Problems Can Occur with Tobacco Smoking?

Here are some common oral health issues that can occur with smoking:

Tooth Discoloration

One of the most common problems caused by smoking is tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can stain your teeth. This makes them look yellow or brown. This not only affects how your smile looks but can also be a sign of poor oral hygiene.

Increased Risk for Gum Disease

Using tobacco also raises the risk of getting gum disease. The chemicals in tobacco products can irritate your gums. This will make them swollen and more likely to get infected. This can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and even damage to the bones in your jaw if not treated.

Additionally, smoking weakens your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight off infections, including those in your mouth.

Reduced Sense of Taste and Smell

Regular smokers often have problems with their sense of taste and smell. They may struggle to enjoy the flavors of food and drinks. It can lead to over-salting or over-sweetening their meals. While this issue might seem less serious than others, it can take away the enjoyment of eating.

The good news is that this loss of taste and smell is not permanent. If you quit smoking, then you can regain these important senses.

Bad Breath

Smokers are more likely to have bad breath. It is also called halitosis. The mix of tobacco smoke and bacteria in the mouth can create a bad smell that is hard to cover up. This can be embarrassing in social situations and can affect your self-confidence.

Dry Socket

Smokers are three times more likely to get a dry socket after having a tooth pulled. A dry socket happens when the area where the tooth was taken out doesn’t heal properly. This means a blood clot either doesn’t form or comes out too soon.

A dry socket can be very painful because it exposes the nerves and jawbone underneath. It can slow down the healing process.

The Formation of Cavities

Smoking can also lead to cavities in your teeth. They often get gum disease and a build-up of bacteria when someone smokes. It can weaken their teeth. This means smokers are three times more likely to get cavities. It is best to focus on prevention to avoid needing urgent dental care.

Cancer of the Mouth, Throat, and Tongue

Smoking or chewing tobacco is the main cause of oral cancer. This type of cancer can affect various parts of your mouth, including your lips, tongue, gums, and throat.

On average, smokers are six times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers. The risk is even higher if someone also drinks alcohol. Unfortunately, these cancers are often found only at a late stage, which makes them harder to treat. You can ask your dental hygienist for a screening to check for oral cancer.

Tooth Loss

Due to the damage caused by gum disease, tobacco users are at a higher risk of losing teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease can destroy the bone and tissue that support your teeth.

Once this support is gone, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. Tooth loss can affect not only your appearance but also your ability to eat and speak properly.

Delayed Healing

Tobacco use can slow down the healing process after dental procedures. Whether it is a tooth extraction, gum surgery, or dental implants, hold on.

Smoking can interfere with blood flow and reduce the ability of your body to heal. This can lead to complications and longer recovery times. This is making it essential for smokers to consider quitting before undergoing any dental work.

“You know, gingivitis is the number one cause of all tooth decay."

How to Quit Smoking Tobacco?

Quitting tobacco can be challenging. However, it is possible with the right approach. Here are some practical tips to help you or someone you know quit smoking:

Choose a specific date to quit smoking. This gives you time to prepare mentally and physically. Mark the date on your calendar and treat it as an important event.

Take note of situations or activities that trigger your urge to smoke. Common triggers include stress, drinking coffee or alcohol, and being around other smokers. Once you identify your triggers, you can develop strategies to avoid or cope with them.

Let your family and friends know that you are quitting and ask for their support. You can also consider joining a support group, either in person or online. Many people find it helpful to talk to others who are going through the same experience.

Nicotine replacement therapy can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Options include nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers, or nasal sprays. Talk to your doctor about which option may work best for you. There are prescription medications that can also help you quit smoking. These medications can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider to see if this option is right for you. Stress can make quitting more difficult. Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress can make the quitting process easier. If you find it challenging to quit on your own, consider seeking help from a healthcare professional. Many doctors and counselors specialize in helping people quit smoking and can provide personalized support and resources.

Final Thoughts

Using tobacco can seriously harm your oral health. It can cause problems like stained teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. It's important for anyone who uses tobacco to understand these risks. If you or someone you know is trying to quit smoking, it can be tough but also very rewarding. You can increase your chances of success by using the tips mentioned above. Quitting tobacco can lead to better overall health.

Contact your dentist today in San Jose, Dr. Amir HagShenas, at  Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, to learn more about effects of tobacco use on oral health.

Resource:

Cosmetic Dentist vs General Dentist.

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly suggest that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.