Is Smoking Bad for Teeth?

brunette woman standing in field outside facing away and blowing smoke out of mouth

Smoking is an addictive habit that is hard to give up, but when you consider its impact on your health, quitting becomes even more necessary. Smoking is very damaging to your immune system, which can wreak havoc on your body rapidly.

The Effect of Smoking on Gums

Your teeth are no strangers to bacteria. While frequent brushing and flossing can keep your teeth healthy and clean, smoking makes it even more difficult to ward off unwanted bacteria. Smoking suppresses your immune system, and since smoking involves intimate contact with your mouth, your teeth and gums are especially affected by it.

Not only does smoking stain your teeth, but it also allows the bacteria on your teeth to multiply more quickly. Gum disease occurs when the bacteria in your teeth and gums are left untreated and multiply. This can ultimately cause severe damage and decay. It is very painful and can be costly to treat, especially in advanced stages. If left untreated, this almost always leads to losing teeth. Smokers are actually six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers because of smoking’s effect on the immune system!

Gum Disease Treatment

Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease. If caught early, a deep cleaning of the gums to flush out any bacteria might be all you need to treat it. But if you have periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, you may have tooth decay. If that’s the case, you may need a root canal or have any damaged teeth completely removed and replaced with bridges, crowns, or dental implants.

A Case Against Smoking

Smoking hurts more than just your teeth and gums. Its effects on the entire body are damaging and well-known. If you are a smoker, it is important to consider quitting to keep you and your family healthy.

It is important to see your dentist to catch gum disease in its early stages and receive proper treatment for it. Laulani Dental Care provides deep cleanings and offers root canal therapy and dental implants for patients affected by severe gum disease. Contact us to schedule a consultation!