Carolina Family Dentistry serving the Charleston, SC area has published its latest article ‘How Does Smoking Affect Your Oral Health?’ The article reveals important information, especially for smokers who are concerned about what smoking may be doing to their mouths.
If you’re a smoker, you’ve heard all the warnings before. You know that smoking is linked to many health problems, like COPD and cancer, but did you know it’s actually very detrimental to your oral health too? Smoking can cause all sorts of problems in your mouth – from teeth discoloration and bad breath to tooth loss and even mouth cancer.
Smokers and anybody else who's interested in oral health can read the entire article at https://www.carolinasmiling.com/how-does-smoking-affect-your-oral-health/
Smoking affects your oral health in several ways. Stained teeth are one of the first and most noticeable signs. The tar and nicotine in tobacco can make your teeth look yellow at first and in some cases a darker brown for longtime smokers. Apart from the more immediate impacts after smoking a cigarette, it can also dry out your mouth which leads to halitosis.
Smokers are seven times more likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers. Gum disease begins when bacteria gets under your teeth, causing tartar and plaque build-up. This is because smoking reduces blood flow to gums. Without the proper amount of oxygen, your gums are significantly more vulnerable to harmful bacteria. And while smoking is often linked with lung and throat cancer, it’s also the leading cause of mouth cancer.
So what can you do to prevent these problems?
Obviously, the best way to prevent these issues is to quit smoking. But, we understand that is easier said than done. Here are some other practical steps you can take to help combat the damage smoking can cause:
Brush and floss daily. Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Do not skip regular checkups. Most studies show you should go to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months. Consider using a mouthwash with fluoride, not only to keep your breath fresh but also to help kill the bad bacteria that can build up under your gum line with prolonged tobacco use.
If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, contact us today at 843-553-0911 or visit the link above.
