Book NowWe know smoking is bad for our health. But did you know it can significantly impact your oral health? Here are some things to look out for and some tips for making sure you’re keeping your mouth as healthy as it can be.
1. Gum disease (periodontal disease)
Did you know, you are 3x more likely to develop gum disease if you smoke? Gum disease inflames your gums and can irreversibly destroy your teeth’s supporting bones. Severe gum disease can lead to pain, loose teeth and infection. And because smoking reduces the amount of blood flow to your gums, it can be hard to tell how severe the gum disease is.
2. Tooth decay
Your saliva plays a vital role in protecting your teeth. When you smoke, nicotine reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth. This can leave your mouth feeling dry and it can increase the risk of tooth decay.
3. Delayed healing time
Smokers are at a higher risk of complications after dental procedures. This is due to reduced blood flow to the gums, slowing down the natural healing process. Because nicotine also negatively impacts your immune system, it may take longer for ulcers and sores to heal too.
4. Stained teeth, bad taste and breath
The nicotine in tobacco can stain your teeth yellow, brown or black. While brushing helps prevent this, you normally need a dentist to help fully remove these types of stains. An often unexpected side effect of smoking can be decreased taste; where reduced blood flow can dull or even kill your tastebuds. Many smokers also experience lingering bad breath.
5.Higher risk of oral cancer
Smoking is one of the top risk factors for mouth cancer. Oral cancer can impact all areas of the mouth, including your cheeks, tongue, lips and floor of the mouth. Smokers need to visit their dentist regularly to check for signs of oral cancer and early detection.
Prevention tip 1
The best prevention for teeth and gum problems if you’re a smoker? You know it, quit smoking. But this can be a very challenging task. If you need help or guidance, consult your doctor or dentist. Or call the Quitline number 13 7848 (13 QUIT) for support.
Prevention tip 2
Practise great dental hygiene! While not the complete solution, ensuring you keep your entire mouth clean is crucial. Clean your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss once a day to clean between your teeth. Drink lots of water, reduce sugary foods, limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs.
Prevention tip 3
Visit your dentist. They will examine your mouth to ensure it’s healthy and check for any signs of disease or conditions that require treatment. And if you want to know how often you should book an appointment, ask for your dentist’s recommendation.
Getting treatment
Our clinic is open Monday–Saturday from 8am. If you need treatment or to book an appointment, get in touch with our team today.