11 Jan

The effects of smoking on your teeth explained by City of London dentist

Everyone knows about the health consequences of smoking but slightly lesser known are the negative dental effects of using tobacco products. These can range from smaller problems like bad breath to very serious and life threatening health problems like oral cancer.
The risk of dental problems is greatly increased by smoking and the list of problems it can cause is very long. Smoking can cause gum disease, discolouration and even tooth loss because the nicotine and tar found in cigarettes causes plaque to stick to the teeth and gums causing decay. Smoking also prevents the flow of saliva, which acts as a natural protective agent against tooth decay and gum disease.
Smoking is particularly bad for the gums as it limits the flow of blood to the tissue causing inflammation and increased infection. Gum tissue can also loosen as a result of smoking, creating spaces for bacteria to gather. These recesses are very difficult to clean once filled with plaque and bacteria. Smoking can also prevent successful treatment of many dental problems as it can impair healing.
If you are experiencing dental problems as a result of smoking or are concerned about what damage it may be doing to your teeth, make an appointment to see a City of London dentist to discuss possible treatments and advice on giving up. Quitting smoking at any stage in life can allow your teeth to recover to a certain degree. Gums will be healthier and any dental treatment will be far more effective for non-smokers than for smokers. You can help your teeth and gums stay healthy by stopping smoking today with help from a City of London dentist.