Smoking is one of the largest causes of preventable diseases worldwide. Often branded the killer of the lungs and heart, smoking can often be equally damaging to your oral health as explained by dental practice in Glen Oaks, NY. In Glen Oaks, NY, a community where health is important, we need to battle the negative effects of smoking on oral health to win better dental practices and improve overall well-being. In this article, we will cover the impact smoking can have on oral health, the risks associated with it, and things people can do to eliminate or reduce these effects.

Tobacco Smoking Impact on Your Oral Health

Cigarettes release many poisons in the blood, such as nicotine, tar, or carbon monoxide. Not only is this bad for the lungs, but also has adverse effects on the mouth, gums, and teeth. There are many ways in which smoking can affect our oral health.

1. Gum Problems Gum Disease Increase

Smokers have a much higher chance of developing gum disease (periodontal disease) than non-smokers. Smoking also weakens the body’s immune system, making it difficult to ward off infections in the gums. Cigarette toxins are also capable of harming the gum tissue, causing inflammation and infection to develop.

2. Tooth Discoloration:

The tar and nicotine found in tobacco products are substances that can darken teeth, giving them a yellow or brown color. In time, however, they can penetrate the enamel and become more difficult to remove with a toothbrush.

3. Bad Breath:

Smoking is one of the ways you can get halitosis which means chronic bad breath. The dry mouth that smoking causes combined with the chemicals in tobacco simply create a breeding ground for bacteria and infection, which can continue to make your breath stink each day.

4. Delayed Healing:

Smoking prevents proper healing after dental procedures, like extractions or surgeries. Because nicotine constricts your blood vessels, the delivery of oxygen in the bloodstream to your gums is considerably less and delays healing with a higher risk of postoperative complications.

5. Oral Cancer

An important factor for the development of oral cancers, including cancer of the lips, tongue, cheek, and throat is tobacco use. Oral cancer is reportedly six times more common in smokers than non-smokers. Cancer-causing compounds in tobacco can affect the DNA of oral cells and cause either changes or growths that are cancerous.

Prevention and Control Measures

Although the effects of this habit on oral health can be aggressive, there are ways to try and mitigate risks or cope with them if you already have one of these conditions:

1. Quit Smoking: Improve oral health effectively by giving up smoking. There are many resources available, including support groups, therapy, and even medication to help you quit.
2. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Some tobacco users should see a dental practitioner frequently to have cleanings and exams. Dentists are able to closely monitor oral health, detect problems before they become worse, and perform professional cleanings to remove stains left by the use of tobacco.
3. Enhancing Oral Hygiene Practices: Good dental hygiene practices are important. By brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and use of an antibacterial mouthwash, the risk for gum disease can be reduced and overall oral health improved.
4. Stay Hydrated: Smoking causes dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Staying well-hydrated is good for the mouth and can help stimulate saliva production, which protects oral health.

Smoking also has a major and complex effect on oral health. Community health awareness is incredibly important, especially in Glen Oaks, NY where it can help prevent the damaging effects tobacco products have on your mouth and encourage healthier oral hygiene choices.