If you smoke or use
tobacco, you are putting your teeth and gums at risk. Every time you take a
puff or chew, your teeth and gums are paying the price.
According to WebMD,
tobacco use does more than stain your teeth. Cigarettes, pipes, cigars, Hookah,
and chewing tobacco can also cause chronic halitosis.
Your dentist explains
that nearly half of all periodontal disease, the most serious form of gum
disease in smokers, is caused by smoking. If left untreated, chronic gum
disease could cause you to lose your teeth.
According to recent
studies, tobacco could be one of the biggest, if not the biggest risk factors
when it comes to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease
is a serious bacterial infection that actually destroys the bone and soft
tissue that anchors your teeth to your jawbone. Bacteria grow in the plaque
that forms inside the pockets that surround your teeth. Your body’s reaction is
to kill the plaque, which leads to the breakdown of bone and soft tissue.
During the earlier
stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, you will notice that your gums
might bleed when you brush and floss. If left untreated, the infection will get
worse and break down your gums. When this occurs, your gums will separate from your
teeth while forming pockets. The worse the gum disease, the deeper the pockets.
The pockets fill with bacteria, food particles, and plaque and destroy the
structures that support your gums and teeth. People with serious periodontal
disease could have teeth that are painful and loose, some may lose their teeth
completely.
According to your dentist smokers have more tartar than people who don’t smoke. This could be
because of the lack of saliva. Calculus or tartar is plaque that is hardened
and must be removed by your dentist.
Smoking also makes
gum disease treatment more difficult as smoking will hinder healing. A recent
study indicated that people who smoke were two times more likely to lose their
teeth after periodontal treatments than people who did not smoke. Smokers also
do not respond very well following oral surgery treatments and are less likely to
have success with dental implants because the bones will not heal properly.
If you smoke or chew
tobacco call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to
help you kick the habit for good. Call or click now.
