The harmful effects of Smoking are well known and it starts with probably bad breath or discolored tooth. But it does not stop there, it is just the beginning. Smoking increases risk for periodontal disease (gum disease), leukoplakia which is white patches inside the mouth, failure of dental implants, and for developing oral cancer, cancer of esophagus, pharyngeal cancers. Apart from that smoking could inflame salivary gland opening on the roof of the mouth, will cause to accelerated bone loss that support the arch of the teeth, will increase the possibility of buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Periodontal disease and bone loss is the leading cause of tooth loss among smokers and those who chew tobacco.

 

Smoking affects the gums adversely and reduces blood flow to the cells in the gum. The gum is the primary layer of protection for the bone that holds the teeth and the root of the teeth. When these gum tissues are damaged by smoking, it will start losing the ability to deter bacterial growth, increasing or accelerating the chances of infection of the gum. Once infected, smoking continues to reduce the ability to heal wounds and thereby damaging the bone that holds the teeth together. It leads to aggressive periodontal disease and faster rate of bone loss. Smoking cigars, chewing tobacco (smokeless tobacco) all have the same effect as smoking cigarettes. Like smoking cigarettes, pipe cigars and chewing tobacco are known to cause oral cancer, people who use it is at increased risk for pharyngeal (throat) cancers or cancer in esophagus. Chewing tobacco or snuffing tobacco contains more dangerous chemicals known to cause throat cancers. It also contains very high levels of nicotine, than cigarettes.

 

Check with your dentist on how you could take steps to quitting smoking. There are varieties of ways dentist could help you by way of prescribing medication to calm nicotine addiction, like nicotine gum or patches, or referring you to smoking cessation classes or support group programs and can suggest over the counter medications.