According to the Canadian Public Health Association, 21% of Canadians over the age of 15 are still smoking. This is in spite of many campaigns against tobacco use and its correlation to many health concerns including but not limited to mouth and throat cancer as well as lung cancer. At Sunrise Centre Dental, we strive to support our patients to their optimal health by providing advice, care and ideal products.
5 Ways Smoking Affects Your Oral Health
Gum Disease
You are twice likely to develop gum disease if you smoke. Tobacco use weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infection. If you develop gum infection, it will take longer to heal and will cause long term damage to your oral health. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity, loss of bone supporting your teeth and tooth loss. Regular visits to your dental hygienist will ensure that gum disease is detected early, treated and you will be provided with the information and tools you need to care for your oral health at home. .
Cavities
The chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products are known to dry out your mouth. Having a dry mouth can increase your chances of developing cavities. With reduced saliva present to act as lubrication in your mouth the bacteria will stick to your teeth causing plaque and tartar to build up. This can lead to cavities around the base of your tooth at the gumline. These cavities are challenging to fix and those areas become harder to maintain healthy over time.
Oral Cancer
Smokers are 5-10 times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to non-smokers. The chemicals found in tobacco can cause oral cancer in your tongue, cheeks, lips and other areas of your mouth.
Bad Breath
Having a dry mouth from tobacco products will cause halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath. To prevent bad breath, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. We may recommend more frequent dental appointments at our Huntsville dental office to support your specific oral health care needs.
Staining
Tobacco use causes teeth staining. Proper oral hygiene — brushing your teeth multiple times a day and cleaning between your teeth can help prevent it. When you see your dental hygienist that stain can be removed for you.
How to Prevent Oral Problems if You Use Tobacco Products
The best treatment solution for your health is to quit smoking. This can be a complicated process that may require careful planning, lots of support and it may not happen overnight. While you work towards quitting, consider cutting down on your use of tobacco products. This can result in significant improvements in your oral health. Talk to your dental team about choosing products that are designed for those who smoke. You can also use teeth whitening services if your teeth are already stained.
We Can Help!
If you would like more information on how tobacco use can affect your oral health, visit Sunrise Centre Dental and talk to Drs. John & Sharon Koncan. We have a team of oral health professionals who would love to talk to see you maintain that beautiful smile. New and existing patients can fill out our contact form or give us a call at 705-789-2369. We are always happy to speak with you about our many services such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns and more!
