Other than the effects they have on your internal organs and vascular health, tobacco products and smoking also negatively impact dental health. In addition to creating bad breath, they’re known for causing dry mouth, which leads to an increased chance of tooth decay. We will explain a few ways tobacco products and smoking negatively impact dental health and what you can gain by quitting and seeking dental care.
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Why Tobacco & Smoking Is Bad for Dental Health
The main problems we see as a result of smoking are dry mouth, cavities, periodontal disease, and gingival inflammation. Because tobacco products cause dry mouth, not having as much saliva means that plaque is sitting on the teeth and causing cavities. Tobacco products also increase tissue irritation that can lead to bone loss or periodontal disease. Not to mention, they decrease your healing ability and slow your healing time. So if you get a cut or sore in your mouth, it will take a lot longer to heal.
Tobacco products also stain teeth, especially cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. While brushing after smoking can help minimize staining, most habitual offenders smoke more often than they brush their teeth.
The Dangers of Chewing Tobacco
Many varieties of chewing tobacco contain sugar, which is why they taste good to people. As a result, people who use chew or a pouch are going to see a higher incidence of cavities. They are also at a much higher risk for developing oral cancer than those who do not use chewing tobacco.
A Reason to Quit
If a patient stops smoking, their risk for periodontal disease and gingival inflammation will go down. Cavities will not fix themselves, but the staining and bad breath will go away fairly quickly. If you stop smoking or using chewing tobacco, it will also decrease your chance of developing oral cancer significantly. Quitting smoking will not only improve your dental health, but it will improve your overall health as well. Both your dentist and your doctor will be happier the next time you visit!
Is Vaping Healthier Than Smoking?
The verdict is still unclear on whether vaping or using an e-cigarette is better for your dental health than smoking. While vaping may lead to less tooth staining, it still exposes your mouth to nicotine, which reduces blood flow and can impair healing. Plus, the aerosol contains a mix of chemicals that may irritate the soft tissues in your mouth and contribute to gum disease. Though often seen as a safer alternative, there’s not enough long-term research to fully understand how vaping impacts oral health—or whether it’s truly less risky than smoking.
Cedarwood Dentistry Can Be a Resource to You
Tobacco products pose many risks to both your dental hygiene and overall wellbeing. If you have concerns about how tobacco usage is affecting your oral health, the dental professionals at Cedarwood Dentistry would be happy to answer any of your questions.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.