“Smoking and Oral Health“
Smoking has a significant impact on your oral health, which is directly related to complications you may suffer:
Smoking is a major risk factor for various oral health issues. It can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, and even tooth loss. Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections. Additionally, it hinders the healing process after dental procedures.
But the consequences go beyond aesthetics. Smoking is a primary cause of oral cancer, and it can lead to leukoplakia, a precancerous condition. The harmful chemicals in tobacco products can irritate oral tissues, promoting cancerous changes over time.
Understanding the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting is essential. Our dentists can play a crucial role in helping our patients quit smoking and safeguard their oral health.
Effects of smoking: A brief summary:
Tooth Discoloration: Smoking often results in unsightly yellow or brown stains on teeth, affecting a person’s smile and self-esteem. We can offer solutions to discolouration though teeth whitening alone may not fully solve staining for patients who have smoked for many years. Please book a cosmetic assessment to discuss the options available to you with one of our dentists.
Gum Disease: Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease. It weakens the gums’ ability to fight infection, leading to swelling, bleeding, and teeth-supporting bone loss. In severe cases, extensive bone loss exacerbated by smoking can lead to tooth loss.
Oral Cancer: Smoking is a significant risk factor for oral cancer. The harmful chemicals in tobacco products can damage oral tissues, potentially leading to cancerous growths. Oral cancers can spread very aggressively to other regions of the body so cancer screenings during routine check-ups are essential.
Delayed Healing: After dental procedures, smokers experience slower healing and a higher risk of complications like dry sockets after tooth extraction.
Bad Breath: Smoking causes persistent bad breath (halitosis) due to the odour of tobacco smoke and the development of gum disease.
Reduced Senses: Smoking impairs taste and smell, which can lead to poor dietary choices and inadequate nutrition, affecting overall oral health.
The dentist you see can discuss and refer you to a smoking cessation provider if you wish for that to happen. Your dentist will also advise you on disease management if this has occurred.
To book your visit, please call us:
Notting Hill Branch – 020 7229 4813
Shepherds Bush Branch – 020 8743 4065
Heston Branch – 020 8570 0435