Smoking damages your lungs, but any dentist will tell you that it can be harmful to your oral health as well. From stains to decay, there are a number of reasons to put down that cigarette. Below expands on these issues so you have more of an incentive to quit today.  

Smoking-Related Oral Health Problems Your Dentist Wants You to Know About

1. Stains

One oral health issue smokers face is discoloration of the teeth and tongue. Whether you have a pack-a-day habit or light up only occasionally, cigarettes can turn your teeth yellow or brown over time. While your dentist can address some cosmetic dental problems with teeth whitening or dental implants, these procedures can be time-consuming and expensive, and the improvements will be temporary if the patient continues to smoke.

2. Tooth Decay

When you smoke, you introduce a variety of toxins into your mouth, and these toxins have harmful long-term effects on your teeth. Plaque can harden on your teeth, causing them to break down. Tooth decay puts you at higher risk of needing painful, expensive treatments such as root canals and extractions. In addition, if you do undergo such procedures, smoking will make the affected area slower to heal.

3. Gum Disease

Smoking raises your risk of developing periodontal problems. Nicotine increases bacteria production in the mouth, making smokers much more vulnerable to gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include red, inflamed, or receding gums, pain when chewing, loose teeth, and pus oozing from between the teeth. Although bleeding gums are a common symptom of gum disease, a smoker’s gums may not bleed due the constricting effect nicotine has on blood vessels. 

4. Oral Cancer

The use of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, is the leading cause of cancers of the mouth and throat. Every time you inhale cigarette smoke, you expose your gums, cheeks, lips, and throat to carcinogenic substances. If you choose to smoke, it is vital to visit your dentist regularly to be screened for oral cancer. Early detection is the key to increasing treatment options and improving chances of survival.

5. Diminished Senses

Smoking leads to bad breath, and many smokers may not even be aware that they have this problem. That’s because smoking can actually dull your senses of smell and taste. This might not seem like a big deal, but it can put a smoker in dangerous situations, as a poor sense of smell or taste can hinder their ability to detect fire or to tell when food has gone bad.

If you’re worried about the negative effects smoking may be having on your oral health, the team at Elm Dental Care in St. Charles, MO, is ready to address your concerns. And if you’re looking for a provider that can treat the whole family, they will see patients both young and old. Call (636) 916-4848 to schedule a dentist appointment or visit their website to learn more about the services they offer.