People who smoke have a higher risk of gum problems, tooth loss, complications after tooth removal and surgery in the mouth, and developing mouth cancer. They are more likely to get infections and don’t heal as well as non-smokers.

Quitting smoking improves mouth cancer, reduces the risk of developing gum disease and mouth cancer, and improves the person’s response to gum treatment.

It is very important for people who smoke to visit their dentist regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy and check for signs of mouth cancer. If you are looking for safe and unharmful vaping products find out more on vaprzon.

It is also important for people who vape to visit a dentist regularly to detect and treat any oral health problems. If you vape, make sure to tell your dentist this.

Less adults smoke now than they used to, but it still remains a problem. In 2018, 10.7% of Victorian adults smoked.

How does smoking affect teeth, gums and oral health?

The most common oral problems affecting people who smoke are:

• Gum (or periodontal) disease.
• Mouth cancer.
• Whitening of the soft tissue in the mouth (called smoker’s keratosis).
• Poor healing after tooth removal (known as dry socket).
• Tooth decay.
• Tooth loss.
• Poor healing after mouth and gum surgery.
• Decreased taste.
• Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath (called halitosis).

Smoking and gum (periodontal) disease

Smoking can cause gum disease.

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is caused by an infection that destroys the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. This bone holds the teeth to the jawbone to chew food. These are the best prodentim reviews.

Bacteria and food debris called dental plaque can cause gum disease.

If left on teeth and gums, plaque hardens to form calculus or tartar. The plaque and calculus irritate the gums around teeth. This is often seen in people who smoke.

The two stages of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

If periodontitis is not treated, the structures that hold the tooth to the gum can become damaged. Teeth may become loose, fall out by themselves, or a dentist may have to remove them.

Preventing tooth loss is important

It is important to prevent tooth loss. Losing teeth towards the back of your mouth can create problems with chewing food.

Losing teeth at the front of the mouth affects your ability to eat, your appearance, and can create problems with speech.

Teeth also play an important part in holding the shape of the lower part of the face.

Smoking increases gum disease risk

The risk of gum disease is higher:

• For a person who smokes less than 10 cigarettes a day, compared to someone who smokes none.
• This increases 4 to 5 times more likely for people who smoke heavily.

If you smoke the following may occur:

• Tooth loss (of some or all your natural teeth), making it difficult to chew certain foods, speak clearly or have confidence to smile if lost teeth aren’t replaced.
• Gum disease may be harder to detect. Bleeding gums – usually an indication of gum disease – may not be present as tobacco causes poor blood supply to the gums. Not respond as well to gum treatment (professional dental cleaning) as non-smokers.
• Severe periodontal disease – the risk increases with alcohol use.
• At a higher risk of developing acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. This is very painful condition that causes a terrible smell and taste.

Will my gums get better if I stop smoking?

Yes. The good news is that people who quit smoking have the same risk of developing gum disease and responding to gum treatment as non-smokers.

Once you quit smoking, don’t be alarmed if your gums bleed more. Seek treatment from a dentist or dental hygienist. They can also show you how to care for your teeth at home.

Smoking and symptoms of gum disease

If you smoke, it is important to see your dentist for regular check-ups. Symptoms of gum disease to watch for include:

• Red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums.
• Discharge (pus) coming from your gums.
• Gums that are loose and pull away from your teeth.
• A bad taste or bad breath.
• Loose teeth. This can change the feel of your bite when your teeth are placed together or make dentures fit differently.
• Spaces opening between your teeth.