Why Smoking Is Bad for Your Dental Health

dental health Ballston Spa, NY

Are you a smoker and wondering how smoking affects your dental health? For almost half a century, we have been warned by the Surgeon General that smoking is bad for our health. One thing that has not been given the attention it warrants is the fact that smoking is also bad for your dental health and can create major dental problems.

Smoking and your dental health

Staining

Smoking and the use of tobacco products is bad for your dental health because of the effects it has on your teeth and gums. Cigarettes stain your teeth because of the tar and nicotine in the tobacco, which makes your teeth turn yellow or brown, depending on how long you have been smoking.

Gum disease

You also put yourself at risk of gum disease when you smoke or use smokeless tobacco. The chemicals in the tobacco cause inflammation around your teeth because of a shortage of oxygen in your bloodstream, which prevents your gums from healing quickly.

Oral cancer

Tobacco use also increases your risk of oral cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of people with oral cancer have used tobacco products. Smokers are also six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers, while smokeless tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer than people who do not use tobacco products.

Are there oral hygiene products designed for smokers?

Yes, if you are a smoker and want to reduce your chances of tooth decay and gum disease, there are kinds of toothpaste that are specifically made for smokers to help remove the stains on your teeth and improve your breath. However, these products will not reduce your likelihood of getting cancer, so quitting the habit is the best option.

How do I quit using tobacco?

Giving up smoking or smokeless tobacco can be difficult, especially if you have been using tobacco for a long time. However, it is worth it because of the benefits to your general and dental health. If you are ready to quit the habit, you need to come up with a plan and stick to it. If you do not think you need any help, you can try quitting cold turkey.

If you do not think you can give it up without help, you can use any of the over-the-counter quitting aids available at pharmacies or you can ask your doctor to prescribe medication to help you quit smoking.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you want to quit smoking is the fact that it is an addiction, and like other addictions, there will be setbacks. You should talk to your dentist or find a group of former smokers you can talk to, especially when you are craving some nicotine.

Conclusion

Smoking is bad for your dental health and significantly increases your chances of losing your teeth and developing oral cancer. If you are a smoker and are ready to give up the habit, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for information that can help you stop smoking.

Request an appointment here: or call Jan P. Fugal DDS at (518) 885-7551 for an appointment in our Ballston Spa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Why Smoking Is Bad For Your Dental Health

Are you a smoker and wondering how smoking affects your dental health? For almost half a century, we have been warned by the Surgeon General that smoking is bad for our health. One thing that has not been given the attention it warrants is the fact that smoking is also bad for your dental health…

Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

Wanting your general dentist to help you experience less TMJ pain? Some of the more common symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder include a clicking of the jaw, headaches, earaches, pain when opening the mouth wide and overall tenderness in the jaw muscles. If you are experiencing even one of these symptoms, you will also…

Sensitive Teeth: 3 Signs It Is Time To See Your Dentist

The fact is that sensitive teeth are oftentimes painful, and the only way to treat the issue in many instances is to visit the dentist for in-office care. By fully understanding the more concerning signs indicating that a trip to the dentist office is necessary, you can get the treatment you need and prevent a…

How A Smile Makeover Treatment Can Improve Your Appearance

A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures used to fix problems with the teeth and improve one's appearance. Though the main objective is to improve the appearance of the teeth, there are other advantages to getting a smile makeover.Numerous patients have found that a smile makeover has both expected and…

Recent Posts

Why Smoking Is Bad For Your Dental Health

Why Smoking Is Bad For Your Dental Health

Are you a smoker and wondering how smoking affects your dental health? For almost half a century, we have been warned by the Surgeon General that smoking is bad for our health. One thing that has not been given the attention it warrants is the fact that smoking is also bad for your dental health…

Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

Wanting your general dentist to help you experience less TMJ pain? Some of the more common symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder include a clicking of the jaw, headaches, earaches, pain when opening the mouth wide and overall tenderness in the jaw muscles. If you are experiencing even one of these symptoms, you will also…