Our health should be our number one priority when it comes to living. It is widely acknowledged that smoking is a major common risk factor for numerous health issues, such as its detrimental effects on oral health. Smoking can negatively affect both the function and appearance of your teeth.
How does smoking affect oral health?
Cause of Bad Breath: Smoking can leave an unhygienic and unpleasant lingering smell causing oral odour. This plays a role in persistent foul breath (halitosis), which is difficult to eliminate even with good oral hygiene practices.
Staining & Discoloration: As a result of constant exposure to nicotine and tar in the tobacco, teeth will eventually turn yellow or even brown. This is an indication of poor oral health and aesthetic appeal.
Tooth Decay: Increase buildups up plaque and tartar accumulating on teeth surface. The buildup potentially raises the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Second Hand Smoke: Smoking can also impact close ones around you. Children are highly influenced by the individuals whom they surround themselves with. As a result of the smoke that comes from smoker exhaled breath or the burning end of a tobacco product, like a pipe, cigar, or cigarette.
Smoking and periodontal disease
Gum Disease (periodontal disease): Smoking weakens your immune system, making the fight against gum infection more difficult. Signs involve possible tooth loss, bleeding gums, gum recession and inflation.
Oral Cancer: Along with long-term smoking and heavy usage of tobacco may unfortunately lead to oral cancer. This type of cancer potentially affects the lips, tongue, throat, and voice box (larynx).
What should you do now?
At Asquith Dentists we highly value our patients’ overall health and will do anything to make a difference in people’s lives. For example, our dental team might advise you to use special toothpaste in addition to your regular on alternating basis. Moreover, we can help enhance the overall health and appearance of your teeth by providing effective cleaning and whitening services to help restore that beautiful smile!
Our professional dentists will carry out a regular examination to detect any signs of oral problems or other conditions in need of more investigation. Additionally, we will also recommend you consider organisations and self-development groups that have access to the most recent information regarding quitting smoking.
So, how often should I be visiting my local family dentist?
It is important and recommended that you visit your dental team regularly for a normal check-up and a full mouth examination. This allows us to monitor your health and any oral health issues can be spotted early.
Call us today at (02) 8014 4288, click HERE to learn more about our regular cleanings, or click the button below to book online!