Smoking tobacco and Dental Health The Impacts of Tobacco Consumption in Oral Health. Many of us are aware that smoking tobacco is harmful to our health. There has been a lot written about the adverse effects of tobacco consumption on health. In this article, we’ll examine the effects of tobacco on oral health. A few of the most frequent dental health problems are like this:
- BAD Breath
The particles of smoke that are left behind after smoking cigarettes remain inside the mouth for a considerable time, leading to bad breath. It is often referred to as”stale smoker’s breath.. Smoking or chewing tobacco reduces saliva production. A dry mouth can be an ideal place for the growth of bacteria, resulting in bad breath.
- Tooth The color of the tooth
Nicotine can be easily taken in through your teeth. Though it isn’t colorless, it is combined with oxygen to alter the color of your teeth, changing them from light to dark. For those who smoke tobacco, nicotine is combined with saliva to produce an opaque liquid that when left inside the mouth to time can cause enamel to stain.
- Gum Disease
Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect the attachment of gums to teeth. The reason for this is that the plaque buildup around the gum line affects the tissues of the gums, leaving your immune system weak and making it difficult for the body to fight infections. The presence of nicotine can reduce the flow of blood to your gums, which makes the mouth more susceptible to infection. The particles that remain in the mouth can trigger signs of dry mouth. They provide an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply and trigger inflammation. Smoking tobacco can also impact the structure of bone in the mouth and can cause gum receding. These elements can increase the chances of developing a jaw bone infection and could lead to loss of teeth.
- Lower Success Rate for Dental Implants
Cosmetic procedures like dental implants are dependent on the health and quantity of bone to provide support for the teeth. For smokers and tobacco users, as your immune system has been weak the healing process is more difficult than normal. This is also the case when the tooth is removed or if oral surgery is done. The time to recover is will be delayed.
- Higher Risk of the development of Oral Cancer
Smoking tobacco is a major cause of the development of 80-90 percent of oral cancers diagnosed. This is why mouth cancer is the primary reason to stop smoking tobacco or chewing tobacco. Although smoking tobacco can cause other health problems, they are more asymptomatic than cancer. Tobacco is absorbed by the mouth’s glands and easily gets absorbed into the tissues in your mouth. The constant use of tobacco results in continuous absorption and filtration of the system, allowing for the development of mouth cancer.
What can you do to avoid suffering from these dental health problems? The solution is easy, stop smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Here’s how to overcome this habit:
- Create a plan to stop the habit
You must prepare a strategy as with a strategy in place it’s easier to remain determined and focused to stop. You can make your own plan, or search online for a quit method that works for you.
- Keep active
Being active is an excellent way to divert your attention and keep it busy. Some of the things that you can do to keep your mind busy include:
- Exercise
- Dinner or movie with non-smoking family and friends
- Walk
- Chew gum
- Take deep breaths
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid triggers
Things, people, places, and circumstances can trigger you to succumb to your craving to smoke tobacco. Here are some suggestions to avoid the triggers:
- Eliminate cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, or anything else that is reminiscent of tobacco.
- Caffeine makes you feel anxious. Do not drink it, instead, drink water instead.
- Take care of yourself and eat well.
- Keep your eyes on the prize!
It’s not possible to quit in one day. The most effective approach each day at a time. The most important thing is to remain positive. Make your mind up to stop first. Make a plan and commit to it.
- Get assistance from your family members and friends
Sometimes it is difficult to solely rely on your own willpower. Invite your family and friends to join you. Request their support with your decision to quit. Tell them what type of assistance you’ll require from them. They could be a great source of help, especially if you’re in an emotional time.
If you’ve been smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco and have been smoking, it’s the right time to visit the Lowell family dental to obtain a complete review regarding your oral health. We will find out what issues have affected your gums and teeth. Make an appointment by calling The Lowell family dental today!
