How Does Smoking Affect Your Teeth?

Oral health is the state of your mouth and gums. It’s more than just your teeth. It also includes your gums, jaw, and parts of the mouth. If your mouth is healthy, it’s free of cavities and gum disease.

Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. If it isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Smoking can negatively affect your entire mouth.

Smoking can wreak havoc on your teeth. Our dentist in Turlock and our dentist in Modesto have shared a list of numerous dental issues that can occur due to smoking, which include:

Your Breath Stinks

Smoking can lead to bad breath, also known as halitosis. Halitosis is caused by the bacteria in plaque that cause gum disease. When smoking, you produce a lot more plaque. This plaque goes to work almost immediately, causing bad breath.

Your Teeth Look Yellow

Smoking can also discolor your teeth, turning them yellow or brown. The nicotine and tar from cigarettes can cause stains, even stains that won’t go away with brushing. The stains are permanent and can only be removed by a teeth whitening treatment.

You Can Develop Gum Disease

Smoking can cause gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Studies have linked smoking to faster gingivitis progression. If you notice your gums are red or swollen or that one of your back teeth is loose, you may have gum disease.

You May Have Bad Breath

Smoking can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. Halitosis is caused by the bacteria in plaque that cause gum disease. When smoking, you produce a lot more plaque. This plaque goes to work almost immediately, causing bad breath.

You’re At Risk For Oral Cancer

In addition to causing oral cancer, smoking can also lead to other cancers. Smoking can lead to cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.

It Can Lead To Tooth Loss

Smoking can lead to tooth loss. When a smoker consumes cigarettes, nicotine and other substances are absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, they travel to the lungs and bind to receptors in the alveolar tissue. Nicotine and other chemicals present in cigarettes can cause inflammation of the gums and tissue, which can damage the gums and lead to tooth loss.

If you need help to quit smoking, our dentist in Turlock or our dentist in Modesto can provide you with certain tips that can be helpful in maintaining good oral health.

All Smile Dental is here to give you the best oral tips and help you restore your smile. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.