DOES SMOKING AFFECT YOUR TEETH???

                    DOES SMOKING AFFECT YOUR TEETH???

Most of us are aware of the fact that smoking is hazardous to health. But many do not know that smoking is also a major contributor for many dental problems.

Cigarettes aren’t  to be blamed alone. All forms of tobacco, including cigars, smokeless tobacco and hookah water pipes, pose a major dental health concern.

Poisonous Chemicals in Tobacco

Smoking products contain numerous poisonous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, tar and nicotine. When you light a cigarette, these poisons start burning, which makes them more dangerous. The smoke passes through the smoker’s mouth, and leaves behind a sticky residue on their teeth. In fact, just one puff is enough to deposit stains on your teeth.

EFFECTS:

Some of the effects of smoking on dental health:

• Smoking increases the risk for oral cancer.
• Nicotine and tar, the major ingredients of cigarette stains the teeth. Sticky tar gets deposited on the teeth which can’t be removed by brushing.
• Smoking decolorizes teeth by reducing the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva cleanses the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects the teeth from getting decayed.
• Causes tooth inflammation.
• Smoking causes chronic bad breath and loss of teeth.
• Increases the risk of tooth decay and cause hot/cold sensitivity by damaging the gum tissue.
• Smoking delays healing after infections and oral surgery procedures. It reduces blood flow and supply of vital nutrients(vitamin C) to the gums. Thus delays healing.

COMPLICATIONS:

1.Gum Diseases and Loss of Teeth

Smoking affects the immune system of the body. It weakens the capability of the body to fight against infections. Gum diseases are manifested by swelling gums. Gum diseases lessen the formation of strong teeth and augment the problem of loss of teeth.

2.Plaque

Bacteria get accumulated in plaque due to smoking. These bacteria grow within the gum area and cause inflamed gums. The bacteria also affect the jaw. This eventually speeds up the loss of teeth.

3.Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the soft tissue and bone that anchor the jawbones are destroyed due to bacterial infection.

How to protect your teeth?

• Quit smoking. Without giving up smoking, any kind of treatment for the dental problems will go in vain.
• Proper dental hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing.
• Professional cleaning techniques like scaling and polishing helps in the removal of the stains.
• Drinking at least 10 glasses of water helps in flossing away the toxins.

Teeth loss can impact your life to a great extent. Along with your confidence, your appearance and lifestyle will also be affected. Hence, quit smoking and enjoy the smooth and fresh feeling of clean teeth.

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