No doubt you’ve heard of the dangers of smoking for your bodily health, but were you aware of the domino effect it begins in the deterioration of your dental health, too?
Gum disease is incredibly common in smokers because of how the toxins in cigarette smoke affect the soft tissues of your mouth. Your dentist wants you to know that regularly smoking tobacco leads to a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream, causing your gums to heal far slower than in a non-smoking patient. This means that any bacteria in your mouth can irritate your gums very easily without your gums being able to bounce back and heal from the infection. This leads to a steadily worsening gum quality, gum recession, and potentially even missing teeth. Smoking also changes the pH balance in your mouth so that the build-up of substances like tartar becomes far easier, which is not a good sign. Tartar contributes to aggressive gum disease and needs to be professionally removed, but smoking increases the likelihood of a build-up.
Your dentist also wants you to be aware of what your smoking is doing to the colour of your teeth. Your teeth are covered in tiny pores, just like your skin, so nicotine and tar can very easily be absorbed through this first tooth layer. When these substances mix with oxygen, they turn a brown-yellow colour that stains your teeth over time. Even e-cigarettes and vape pens can cause staining because of their nicotine contents. Tobacco stains can be difficult to remove because they have usually been accumulated over the period of many years, so often only professional teeth whitening and hygiene treatments with your dentist can give you back your shine.
Your lungs are made up of spongey membranes called bronchioles that are peppered with passageways. The air you inhale passes through these passageways and the oxygen is absorbed through the tissue and into your blood stream. When you smoke, tobacco particles get caught in these hollows and remain there until they are shaken loose by coughing, talking, or laughing. This is why smoker’s breath can often smell stale, because it is old smoke that is coming out on their exhale. Your dentist wants you to know that smoker’s breath doesn’t smell unpleasant, but it is also a reminder of the toxins that are absorbed through your lung tissue in the exact same place when the smoke particles get caught.
If you’re seeking a dentist in Stafford, contact Abbey House Dental today. We’ll provide you with plenty of professional advice on lifestyle factors that may be affecting your teeth as well as performing professional treatments. Call us on 01785 818037 to find out about our appointment availability.
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