For the sake of your mouth and teeth, end your bad relationship with tobacco
Smoking remains the biggest killer in the UK, and in Sheffield around 16 people per week die from smoking-related illnesses.[1]
Although most people are aware of the effect that smoking can have on their body and general health, here are ten reasons why smoking is so bad for your teeth and mouth:
- Stained teeth. This is caused by the tar and nicotine in the cigarettes.
- Bad breath (halitosis). No one likes being close to someone with smoker’s breath!
- Gum disease. Smoking causes gum disease to progress faster than in non-smokers with smokers being seven times more likely to develop gum disease.
- Tooth loss. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Smokers incur twice the tooth loss of non-smokers, due to plaque and tartar build-up that encourages dental decay.
- Smokers are more prone to deterioration of the bones which house and support the teeth- a key stage in tooth loss. Salivary glands can become infected and people who smoke are much more likely to develop mouth sores.
- Loss of taste and smell.
- Reduced blood supply to the mouth.
- Increased build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth.
- Smoking tobacco causes a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream, leading to the infected gums not being able to heal and delayed healing following dental extractions and other oral surgery.
- Increased risk of oral cancer. Approximately 90% of people with cancer of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat use or have used tobacco. People that smoke are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop these cancers and the risk of developing them significantly increases with the amount of tobacco smoked.
Has the Damage Already Been Done?
Not necessarily. No matter how long you’ve used tobacco products, quitting now can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss and many other oral health problems.
Even reducing the amount you smoke appears to have incremental benefits — although your risk is not lowered as substantially as if you quit altogether. And over time, many of these health risks will diminish until they are almost at levels for non-smokers.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the thousands of people who are re-evaluating their bad relationship with smoking and ‘splitting up’ with cigarettes this October. Go to https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/quit-smoking/stoptober/ for all the help you need to pack in smoking for good.
And, if you need further advice talk to your one80 Dental dentist or make an appointment to see your hygienist and start the journey to a healthier mouth, fresher breath, better looking teeth and reawaken those tastebuds!
[1] https://www.zestcommunity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/smokefree-schools-info-for-schools.pdf
