In a word – Yes – smoking is bad for your dental health and is the leading cause of Oral Cancer (along with alcohol). SE Calgary Dentists at South Trail Crossing Dental encourage patients to seek help in quitting tobacco use, as smoking and tobacco usage contributes to many oral health concerns – and systemic disease.
Though most people are aware of the negative effects smoking has on the body as a whole – often too little attention is given to the destruction it causes to oral tissues and how it negatively impacts an individual’s oral health on a daily basis. The drying effects of nicotine on oral tissues cause smokers to be at greater risk for developing Periodontal Disease and Gum Tissue Conditions – due to the reduced supply of oxygen and increase development of certain bacteria. Plaque is a soft deposit of bacteria which everybody develops on the surface of teeth. Studies reveal that smokers have a higher level of certain bacterium in plaque, and develop plaque more rapidly due to the drying effects of tobacco and changes to the mouth’s ph. Levels.
The increased levels of plaque and bacteria contributes to heightened gum inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss – making premature tooth loss a real issue for smokers and tobacco users. Because nicotine suppresses the body’s immune response – the ability to fight gum infections and other oral diseases is diminished – enabling what would be a minor irritation in a non-smoker to become a significant infection in a smoker. Due to the reduction of blood flow, smokers often don’t get the tell-tale sign of gum disease – bleeding gums – resulting in advance tissue destruction before a diagnosis is made.
Regular visits to a SE Calgary Dentist for cleanings and exams are a vital step in monitoring a smoker’s oral health. If quitting smoking is not an immediate goal; maintaining routine cleanings will enable your hygienist and dentist to recognize the early signs of disease, and treat accordingly.
For more information regarding smoking and its damaging effects on the mouth – contact South Trail Crossing Dental today – 403.720.2778