How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health?

Do you know Tobacco use is one of the primary threats to global health today? According to the World Health Organization, "about 4.9 million people have died due to the addiction of nicotine, and the death toll is expected to rise to 10 million annually by the 2020’s." What is even more surprising is that "approximately 53,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed and more than 9,750 people die from oral cancer each year in the U.S."

People are aware that smoking is bad for their health as it leads to different medical problems and fatal diseases. But, many don’t realize the damage that smoking can cause to their gums, teeth, and mouth.

Why should you be concerned with the oral effects of smoking?

A healthy smile is essential for many adults as it is the first thing people notice when they are introduced to someone for the first time. Nobody wants a smile that is discolored, let alone emits a bad breath. Moreover, losing a tooth is one of the significant adverse effects of smoking cigarettes. Smokers develop more tartar on their teeth than nonsmokers that can lead to gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss among adults. Brushing alone will not help to remove the tartar and yellow stains from the teeth. A professional dental cleaning done by the dentist in Albuquerque nm can help remove the stains and tartar from teeth. Besides, dental visits can foster a dialogue that guides a path to quit smoking.

Effects of smoking on teeth and oral cavity

Interferes with blood circulation

The chemicals present in the cigarette can affect the function of gum tissue, causing infections, and restricting blood flow. It also hinders and delays healing after oral surgery like dental implants, tooth extraction, treating gum disease, etc.

Oral cancer

According to WHO about 90% of people diagnosed with cancer in the mouth, throat, or lips due to the use of tobacco. In fact, smokers are six times more likely to develop oral and other types of cancers than nonsmokers.

Periodontal Disease

Chemicals in cigarettes affect saliva flow in your mouth that makes it easier for oral bacteria to stick to teeth and gums. Bacteria-laden plaque can develop on teeth and gum line. If it is not removed, it can become tartar – a hard substance that requires professional cleaning to remove it.

Treatment

Quit smoking is one of the best things you can do to your both oral and overall health. If you are smoking, you need to brush and floss regularly to reduce the risk of oral problems. You need to schedule regular appointments with the best dentist Albuquerque for checkups and dental cleanings. If you want to quit smoking, seek help from the dentist Albuquerque nm.

The author is an experienced dentist and TMJ specialist in Albuquerque nm. Along with the team of professionals, he offers various dental treatments from general dentistry, through to root canal therapy and orthodontics. Visit https://www.wgregoryrosedds.com for more details.