Smoking and your teeth
Let’s come straight to the point. Smoking in all forms (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, hookah, e-cigarettes) is bad for nearly every organ of the body. The effects are as gruesome as the pictures shared on the pack of cigarettes. What most people don’t know is how smoking negatively affects dental health. If you are still on the fence when it comes to quitting cigarettes, think again because the number of ways that smoking can affect your oral health is not a small list.
How does the smoke affect dental health?
- Stained Teeth
Smoking exposes your teeth to both tobacco and nicotine which can make your teeth turn yellow in a very short time and brown after years of smoking.
- Bad Breath
- Loss of Smell & Taste
- Weakened Immune System: Smoking can compromise your immune system leading to weakened defenses against oral diseases. It also leads to prolonged recovery time after dental surgical procedures. For instance, delayed healing process after tooth extraction. Smoking may also lower the success rate of dental implant procedures.
- Gum and Periodontal Disease: The best dentists in Mumbai state that you are twice as likely to experience gum disease if you smoke. This is owing to an increased buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth which leads to gum diseases.
- Tooth Decay and Loss: The increased plaque and tartar on teeth make them more susceptible to decay.
- Mouth Sores and Ulcers
- Receding gums
- Oral Cancer: The harmful chemicals found in cigarettes can mutate healthy cells of your mouth and throat which in turn, increases your risk of developing oral cancer
5 Pro-tips from the best dentists in Mumbai to maintain good dental health in smokers
- The best dentists in Mumbai recommend using ‘Teeth Whitening‘ toothpaste alternately with your usual toothpaste. They certainly don’t affect the natural color of your teeth, but may be effective at removing staining, and therefore may improve the overall appearance of your teeth and dental hygiene.
- Use mouthwash to combat bad breath and maintain good dental hygiene.
- Refresh your dental care routine by chewing sugar-free gum after meals for 20 minutes.
- Popping a peppermint may be a good addition to your regular dental hygiene as it helps mask stinky breath.
- Schedule regular appointments with your dentist to
- Carry out a regular checkup to ensure that your teeth and gums are doing well.
- Remove plaque and tartar from your teeth by scaling and polishing your teeth (Professional Teeth Cleaning).
- Carry out Professional teeth whitening to remove stains on teeth. Professional teeth whitening will help get rid of stains, but the stains would return if you continue to smoke. You might need to repeat treatments every year in that case.
If you quit smoking, will your teeth get better?
Yes, according to the best dentists in Mumbai, even if you’ve smoked for many years, quitting will improve your dental health and reduce the likelihood of gum disease and tooth loss. Though quitting requires hard work, commitment, accountability, and willpower, you’ll surely reap immediate and long-term benefits.
The key takeaway message
Quitting smoking is the answer to all your problems. But in the meantime, while you are going through the grueling process, you can still take care of your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing will help you smile. Seeing your dentist every six months helps to fight against staining and gum disease.
The rest of your oral health is in your hands. Choose health and take cigarettes out of your hands and lives.