It’s no secret that using tobacco leads to poor health, specifically including conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and life-threatening lung cancer. On top of these risks, tobacco also wreaks havoc on your oral environment — staining your teeth, dulling your taste buds, and increasing your risk of periodontal disease. When you’re addicted to tobacco, it may feel impossible to quit. Still, the caring dentists from BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, strive to help tobacco users curb their habit, thereby improving their oral and overall health.

Smoking cigarettes doesn’t just fill your clothes, home, and car with a lingering odor — it also makes your breath smell. However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. After prolonged use, a smoker’s sense of taste and smell begins to diminish — which means that fancy dinner or bouquet of roses may no longer be as enjoyable as they once were. Even with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, it doesn’t take long before the harsh chemicals in tobacco begin to stain the teeth. After a few years, they might begin to have a yellow tint to them; after 10 years, they might even be brown in color.

Of course, tobacco poses much more than superficial concerns. After a while, smokers often develop an increasing number of cavities, which demand numerous tooth fillings. Then, your tooth decay might escalate, which might demand root canal procedures or teeth extractions. Unfortunately, even after your dentist addresses and treats these problems, tobacco makes it harder for your mouth to heal. It may take twice as long as for a non-smoker, increasing your risk of infection and further oral complications along the way.

As mentioned earlier, lung cancer isn’t the only disease you should be wary of when you smoke. Tobacco also increases the risk of periodontal disease and oral cancer, the former which can lead to complete tooth loss and jaw deterioration, and the latter which can be deadly.

To avoid risking the health of your smile, periodontal disease, and your life, it’s best to quit your habit once and for all. To learn more about maintaining a bright, healthy smile for years to come, contact the experts from BridgeView Dental Group. Call today at (907) 486-3257 or visit the practice’s website to learn more. You can also connect with the dental team on Facebook.