We all know that smoking is bad for your overall health but what direct affects does it have on your smile? Using tobacco products has a very negative effect on your oral health. Some of the most obvious effects of smoking cigarettes has on your oral health are bad breath, tooth discoloration, and loss of taste and smell, but there can be more serious periodontal problems.
One of the effects of smoking is staining that it stains on the teeth due to the nicotine and tar content. It can make the teeth yellow in a very short amount of time, and heavy smokers often complain that their teeth are almost brown after years of smoking. Smoking also causes chronic bad breath or halitosis. Brushing your teeth or using mouthwash cannot fix this. Anyone who gets near your face will know you are a smoker.
Smoking causes poor circulation. This reduces the blood flow to the gums. The gums are deprived of essential nutrients so they begin to suffer from disease. Because of the reduced blood flow, your gums may not bleed, so you may not know something is wrong until it is too late. Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. You can even lose your teeth because of the gum disease.
There are special toothpastes for people who smoke. They are sometimes a little more abrasive than ordinary pastes and should be used with care. Your dentist may recommend that you use these toothpastes alternately with your usual toothpaste. There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural color of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining and therefore may improve the overall appearance of your teeth.
Tooth extractions, periodontal treatments, and/or oral surgery are common effects that smoking cigarettes has on your teeth. However, because of incessant smoking, those who undergo surgery experience a delayed healing process. Some smokers are not even qualified for these surgeries because of their smoking habit.
If you are a smoker and not yet ready to quit, make sure you visit your dentist regularly to keep up with your oral health as much as possible.