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By now, our society knows that smoking and tobacco use can have detrimental effects on our overall health. The CDC reports that 15 out of every 100 adults is a smoker. Smoking claims more than 480,000 lives each year, making it the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. Whether it’s smoking, cigar and pipe smoking, vaping, or smokeless tobacco, all can cause severe health issues. One subject that is not discussed enough is how smoking can affect our oral health.
Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco can cause oral cancer, gum disease, and a whole host of other issues for your mouth. The CDC found that over 40% of adults aged 20 to 64 who currently smoke have untreated tooth decay, and 43% of those aged 65 or older who smoke have lost all their teeth. Smoking interferes with gum tissue cells and disrupts their normal function, making smokers more susceptible to infections that could lead to periodontal disease. Smoking could also impair blood flow to the gums, which slows the healing process.
Also according to the CDC, smokers are 64.2% more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. Bacteria production increases in the mouth due to nicotine reducing the amount of oxygen that can get to the gums and soft tissue in the mouth. This increased amount of bacteria build-up allows for gum inflammation and the infiltration of bacteria into the gums. In addition to gum disease, those who smoke may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Stained teeth
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath and bad taste in mouth
- White patches inside the mouth, known as leukoplakia
- Increased levels of plaque and tartar on teeth, or harding of plaque (calculus)
- Loss of jaw bone
- Receding gums
- Tooth decay and tooth loss
- Decreased ability to taste
- Mouth cancer
It’s reported that 90% of people suffering from cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue and throat are tobacco users. The unfortunatel reality is that smokers are 6 times more likely to develope these cancers than nonsmokers are. We at Simply Smiles understand that these are sobering statistics and that smoking is a highly addictive, tough habit to kick, but there is hope. There are many resources, tips, and products available to help you on your journey to kicking the habit:
- Try gradually reducing the amount of cigaretts you smoke daily, until you feel you are able to quit all together.
- Consult with your primary care doctor on medications they can prescribe to help with the cravings, such as Zyban, or you could try nicotine gums and patches.
- Some local hospitals or organizations offer cessation classes and support groups. You can find online groups at smokefree.gov
- Herbal remedies as well as hypnosis and acupuncture are other tools that may help you on your journey to wellness.
- You can call the national tobacco quit line at 1 (800) 784-8669.
- The National Cancer Institute has an app called QuitGuide that some may find helpful.
Quitting an addictive habit takes a lot of effort and time, so meanwhile, it’s essential to practice excellent oral health care at home. Brush your teeth twice a day (there are special toothpastes for smokers that your dentist can recommend), floss daily, and drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva slow to wash away bacteria. As always, it’s important to visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups.
At Simply Smiles, we would love to meet you where you’re at in your health journey. We can help you develop routines that will give you a better quality of life, while also suggesting ways to put other habits that may not be serving you in your past. Contact us today so we can discuss your particular needs in this area!
Sources:
https://www.dentalhealth.org/smoking-and-oral-health
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/smoking-and-oral-health
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health
https://www.wcdentalarts.com/blog/how-smoking-affects-your-oral-health/
https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/effects-smoking-teeth-gum
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/oral-cancer-and-tobacco