Smoking – Quitting is IMPORTANT for the teeth and mouth as well!

We are already well aware that smoking is detrimental to your lungs and health, but what some people aren’t aware of is that it is also extremely damaging to the mouth, teeth, and gingiva (gums). Smoking is a huge risk factor for several oral complications.

Oral cancer – patients are 6 times more prone to develop oral related cancers, the easiest possible way to prevent this is by QUITTING smoking, and visiting your dental professional routinely (it is generally recommended every 6 months).
Gum disease – smoking has been known to inhibit the immune system, therefore reducing your body’s ability to fight infection such as gingivitis and periodontal disease

Premature tooth loss – as a direct result of the periodontal disease that you have now developed as a result of SMOKING, you become more susceptible to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a disease at which bacteria in the mouth cause bone loss and this loss of bone structure causes mobility in the teeth which in turn causes the teeth to fall out [Read more…]