How does tobacco usage affect your oral health?

Posted by Jayden Tremblay on September 9th, 2021

How does regular smoking take a toll on your oral health? It is already well-known that tobacco has serious health consequences. Although the number of smokers around the world has declined over the last decade, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Beyond the direct links to cancer, and lung diseases, regular tobacco and smoking accounts for nearly 90% of all people diagnosed with cancers of the lips, throat and mouth. Tobacco use affects many facets of health including dental and oral. 

Before you reach out to your Auburn Orthodontics, read this if you are a chain smoker. You need to know the prominent effect of smoking on your oral health specifically. 

1. Discoloration

The first impact of smoking on your teeth is the discoloration. You smoke for a few days and you will see that your teeth are getting pale over a period of time. The nicotine present in cigarettes turns yellow when it comes in contact with oxygen and the tar in the cigarettes turns brown. Teeth have pores like your skin, and the nicotine and tobacco easily absorb in your skin.

2. Tooth Decay

The tar and nicotine in tobacco products create a build-up of tartar and plaque on your teeth, which will lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay is the process of developing cavities – areas where plaque has eroded the tooth structure creating a small depression or hole that will grow over time if left untreated.

3. Bad Breath

Excessive use of tobacco products creates bad breath in a number of ways. The surfaces of your teeth, tongue, mouth and gums will trap some of the tobacco or smoke particles and it will retain their odor. Excessive smoking shall also cause dry mouth, which is the leading cause of halitosis. Furthermore, tobacco will dull your senses of smell and taste, which would mean you might not be able to sense the problem as well as those around you. 

 4. Gum Disease

Smoking is the second most significant risk factor for gum disease. Tobacco has a kind of muting effect on the immune system, which will weaken the body’s ability to heal itself. The easy form of gum disease like gingivitis can be easily treatable, but with regular smoking, your body may not respond properly to the intervention. 

5. Delayed Healing

Last but not least, any kind of dental treatment that you take will be delayed if you keep on smoking. 

If you are up to taking any orthodontic treatment like Braces in Auburn, you should take into account your habit of regular smoking. Quit smoking and start your orthodontic treatment today. Visit here: greatlakesbayorthodontics.com