Even as the number of smokers decreases, the world still faces smoke-related deaths. According to a report by CDC, 15 out of 100 adults are smokers, which is a large number of people addicted to smoking. You should understand that smoking does more than discoloring your teeth and cause bad breath. It goes to even more severe problems. Even with the numerous sources of information about the dangers of smoking, there is still a high number of smokers who are not ready to quit. Smoking affects your oral and overall health. Here are several ways it affects your overall health.
- Teeth Discoloration
Every piece of cigarette you smoke takes away the beauty of your teeth. Remember, stained teeth are more than just not brushing. Tobacco contains nicotine and tar. When you smoke, these elements stick to the enamel. You cannot brush them easily. The stains on the teeth are a result of tar and plaque buildup. Therefore, the only way to bring back the bright look of your teeth is to quit smoking and go forĀ teeth whitening Mississauga. The dentist will help bring back the pearly white teeth and clean the discolored tongue.
- Gum Diseases
Gum disease contributes to tooth loss in adults, and the primary culprit of gum disease is smoking. Chronic smokers are at a high risk of getting gum disease. This is because of the exposure to plaque and bacteria. Furthermore, if the gum cannot heal properly after a procedure, there is a high chance of gum disease.
- Tooth Decay
The plaque ad tartar buildup supports the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, you start experiencing tooth decay, cavity issues, and even tooth loss with time.
- Oral Cancer
Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that harm the mouth slowly. The chemicals cause cell mutation in the mouth and throat. Hence, this mutation increases the risk of getting oral cancer.
- Gum Disease ProgressionĀ
Gum disease is a result of bacteria buildup in the mouth. Therefore, whether you are a smoker or not, you can acquire gum disease if you fail to apply proper oral health. Gum disease can also be genetic. Some people with specific genes are more susceptible to it. However, smoking increases the chances. Therefore, if you have gum disease, smoking can worsen it. It leads to gum inflammation, and you might notice blood in saliva and on your brush when brushing your teeth. It starts with gingivitis. So lack of treatment and more smoking will lead to gingivitis progressing to periodontitis.
- Delayed HealingĀ
Smoking lowers your immune system. The smoke reduces the oxygen in the bloodstream, which is crucial for healing. Therefore, your wounds will heal slowly if you undergo a procedure like a root canal, tooth extraction, or dental implantation. Therefore, you will need a longer time to heal than it takes a non-smoker. Furthermore, you are at a higher risk of dental infections when the gum cannot heal well.
Key Takeaways
From the details here, it is clear that smoking does more than discolor your teeth and gives you bad breathe. It also leads to other serious oral health issues like tooth decay, the development of gum disease, and oral cancer. Therefore, quit smoking if you wish to keep your mouth and entire body healthy.
Comments are closed.