You know that smoking is bad for your lungs and heart, but have you thought about how it affects your teeth and gums? Family dentists warn people who smoke that they’re at a higher risk for severe dental problems, like oral cancer and periodontal disease. Because of these oral issues, consider quitting as soon as possible by speaking with your family dentist about kicking the habit. 

3 Ways Smoking Damages Your Smile

1. Inhibits Blood Flow

Smoking inhibits blood flow inside the tissues of your moth, which is dangerous because it makes it harder for your body to respond to bacteria and infections. Over time, reduced blood flow increases your risk of bone and tooth loss, while simultaneously giving you chronic bad breath.

2. Discolors Your Teeth 

Since cigarettes also contain other ingredients like nicotine and tar, smoking leaves behind a yellow film on your teeth, making your smile appear dingy. If you chew tobacco, the brown juice from the leaves permeates the pores of your natural dental enamel, causing deeply set stains. 

3. Promotes Oral Inflammation

The byproducts created during smoking are also toxic to your gum tissue, sparking inflammation, which damages the tiny blood vessels responsible for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Over time, inflammation can even cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating unsightly recession and swollen, puffy tissue. Family dentists can soothe this inflammation by cleaning the teeth carefully and scaling tooth surfaces under gingival pockets, but the best way to prevent dangerous inflammation is by quitting smoking altogether. 

Don’t let your bad habits damage your smile. If you’re a smoker who is concerned about oral health, visit the family dentists at Tkatch Dentistry to learn more about how smoking is affecting your teeth. These kind, compassionate dentists understand how difficult it can be to quit, but they are committed to doing everything they can to help you enjoy healthier, more comfortable teeth and gums. To find out more about their practice, visit them online or call (336) 889-9916.