Most of the time you hear about the risks of smoking, you will see that other parts of the body such as the lungs and heart are the main focus. While these are serious places to take damage, they are not the only places in your body affected by smoking. Your mouth can be seriously damaged by it as well, so if you or a loved one need more reasons to quit, keep reading for twenty-five of them.
25 Ways Smoking Affects Teeth
- Staining of the teeth. Teeth will turn yellow and/or brown from continuous smoking.
- Halitosis is common in smokers because of smoke particles left on the tongue and in the throat. Bad breath will also be caused by increased bacteria from smoking.
- The sense of taste will become dulled by smoking.
- Increased risk of gum and periodontal disease by 64.2%.
- Tooth decay
- Receding gums that pull back painfully from the teeth
- Decreased oral blood circulation, which makes it harder for your dentist to spot the signs of gum disease, delaying treatment.
- Loss of teeth
- A hardened buildup of plaque and tartar called “calculus”
- Dry mouth
- Chewing and bite alignment can be negatively impacted.
- Increased risk of leukoplakia (white patches on cheeks and/or tongue) due to chronic irritation of your mouth’s mucous membranes.
- Cavities from plaque and tartar buildup
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or heat
- Red and/or swollen gums
- Compromised immune system, leaving your mouth vulnerable to all the extra bacteria present from smoking.
- Greatly increased risk of oral cancer
- Painful chewing
- Slower recovery of any oral damage or procedure
- Pus coming out of the gums
- Loose teeth
- Irreparably damaged enamel
- Increased difficulty of corrective dental work being successful
- Inflamed salivary glands
- Bleeding gums
So there you have it, 25 ways smoking affects teeth. I hope this list has helped you or a loved one to take the necessary steps to quit. As you can see, it is damaging to the entire body and is essentially a deadly habit. Ask your dentist how you can fix any existing damage, and speak with your primary care physician on steps you can take to quit. Remember to keep up a regular dental hygiene regimen as well as regular visits to your dentist. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.