5 Negative Effects of Smoking on Oral Health

Dr. Ilya Benjamin

It’s widely known that smoking negatively affects the body. Moreover, smoking is bad for your dental health. It is worth noting that smoking leads to dental problems of different types. Smoking affects both gums and teeth. In this blog, we will discuss the negative effects of smoking on your mouth.

1) Smoking Increases the Risk of Oral Cancer

Through many studies, smoking has been found as a contributing factor to different types of oral cancers. Smoking has been linked to cancer of mouth, gums, lips, throat and tongue. Statistical data shows that more than 90% of people with oral cancer are smokers. It’s no easy task, but the best thing you can really do to prevent oral cancer is to quit smoking (or at least reduce your smoking habit).

2) Smoking Causes Gum Disease

Smoking has a large negative impact on your gums. Smoking affects the function of gum tissue cells as well as the attachment of bone to your teeth. Smokers beware, bacterial plague will be produced and build up in your mouth overtime.

Blood flow to the gums reduces dramatically due to smoking as well. People who have been smoking for a long time often have a lowered oxygen level in their blood. That’s why it usually takes more time for smokers’ gums to heal after sustaining damage. It’s no hidden truth; quitting smoking helps reduce the risk of developing the gum disease significantly.

3) Smoking is a Factor of Bad Breath

Smoking is considered is a major cause of bad breath (also known as Halitosis). When people smoke, various chemicals are collected on the insides of their mouth. This has a negative effect on their breath. Moreover, individuals who smoke dry out their mouth. As a result, gum infections activate and contribute to bad breath.

4) Smoking Leads to Stained Teeth 

It’s no surprise that a lot of smokers have stained teeth. If you smoke for several years nicotine will be collected on your teeth. Finally, it will begin to damage your tooth enamel. Oftentimes, teeth become yellow due to ugly stains which are caused by smoking. If this happens to you, contact a dentist in Las Vegas to remove yellow stains from your teeth as soon as possible.

5) Smoking Promotes Cavity Formation

There is a direct link between smoking and cavity formation. It’s important to note that smoking as well as high alcohol consumption increase the risk of tooth decay dramatically. Smoking increases saliva production which promotes cavity formation. If you smoke, the chances of you incurring cavities in your teeth are much greater than an individual who does not.

Again, this should come as no surprise, smoking is bad for your oral health. Though there are many issues you can prevent by stopping smoking, there may still come a time when you need to consult a dentist for assistance. You can check out our blog page to get more tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your teeth healthy. Are you looking for a dental clinic in Las Vegas? Look no further! Let My Dream Dental be your dental clinic of choice!

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Dr. Ilya Benjamin
Written by Dr. Ilya Benjamin
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