You’ve probably, or at least hopefully, been told throughout your life that smoking is a nasty habit and something you should avoid. Cigarettes and tobacco don’t just smell or taste foul, though – they also spell bad news for your entire body, including your mouth! Continue reading to learn a little more from your dentist about the dangers that smoking poses to your oral health, along with a few tips on preserving your smile.
Smoking Causes Serious Problems for Your Smile
Smoking causes numerous problems; you’re breathing in harmful carcinogens that aren’t meant for your body’s interior, after all! Smokers are usually at a much higher risk of getting sick and developing other serious ailments and health issues, like various types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, and more. However, the habit has an extra-serious effect on dental wellness.
Most obviously, tobacco stains your teeth and tongue, reducing your smile’s beauty and in turn, sending your self-esteem plummeting. Smoking also dulls your sense of smell and taste, which can make food less enjoyable. Of course, smoking also causes chronic bad breath since it dries out your mouth.
However, dry mouth is a very serious issue since it opens the door for all kinds of bacteria to begin causing problems. Your saliva plays a crucial role in your body; it helps digest food, and it also protects your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. If you’re smoking and drying out your mouth, you’re weakening its first and foremost defense against cavities, decay, gum disease, and other unpleasant issues.
Over time, the habit will further deteriorate your oral health, and dry mouth will be just one of many concerns. The chemicals in the smoke can irritate your gums and the lining of your mouth, causing recession that can even lead to tooth loss. Mouth and throat cancers have also been closely linked to smokers and tobacco users.
Preventing Smoking-Related Issues
Since there are so many potential dental issues that can arise from smoking, it’s worth it to simply kick the habit entirely if possible. However, in either case, it’s worthwhile to examine your dental habits and ensure that your mouth is as clean as possible, and your saliva production isn’t being impeded. Consider these tips:
- Drink plenty of water; this will boost your mouth’s saliva production.
- Stick to a healthy diet and try to maintain a healthy weight; since oral and bodily health are so closely linked, strive to keep your body in good shape.
- Maintain excellent dental health through routine brushing and flossing.
- Keep up with your semi-annual dental checkups.
Although your dentist can help you address gum disease and other unpleasant issues that result from smoking, it shouldn’t have to come to that in the first place. By following these tips and reevaluating your lifestyle habits, you can easily ensure your smile is healthy, glowing source of joy in your life!
About the Practice
Here at Community Dentists of Worcester, we’ve proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Worcester and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and other types of services; whatever you need to ensure optimal dental wellness! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, feel free to visit us online or call us today for assistance. Telephone: (774) 255-7345.
