Aside from the yellowing of the teeth and bad breath, people who smoke also have a higher risk of gum problems, tooth loss, and mouth cancer. While quitting smoking should be a no-brainer at this point, reducing risks associated with oral health and treatment should be at the top of the list to convince smokers to become ex-smokers. Learn more about the effects of smoking on oral health and why vaping is a better option for your teeth.
What does smoking do to your teeth and gums?
Listed below are some of the most common oral problems affecting those who smoke combustible cigarettes:
- Gum disease
- Mouth cancer
- Whitening of the soft tissue in the mouth, also known as smoker’s keratosis
- Poor healing after tooth removal, also known as dry socket
- Poor healing after mouth or gum surgery
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Decreased taste
Can your gums get better after quitting smoking?
Yes. When smokers quit combustible cigarettes, their risk of developing gum disease is lowered, with a much higher response to gum treatment. However, shortly after quitting you may notice that your gums bleed more. This is normal and will eventually go away with regular brushing, flossing, and a checkup from your dentist.
How to prevent further teeth and gum problems?
While we’ve established that quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health, there are some additional actions that you can take to prevent tooth and gum problems:
- If you’re finding it difficult to quit smoking altogether, try reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke to start off with.
- Clean your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste daily.
- Use dental floss.
- Visit your dentist one to two times a year.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
Is vaping better for your teeth?
While nicotine does restrict blood flow to the gums, the chemicals within tobacco are far more menacing to your oral care, leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Start by transitioning to an e-cig that meets your current nicotine needs and make it your mission to lower your intake, therefore lowering your risk of developing oral health issues.
For those who vape, have you noticed any big chances with your teeth and gums? Drop a comment below to share with our readers.
