It is known that people who smoke frequently are at
higher risks of getting cancer and lungs related problems. Nowadays, people are
also clear that smoking damages your dental health too. Though people are aware
of the problems caused by smoking still they get addicted to the habit. Adults
who think it as a stress reliever must definitely stop the habit of smoking to
lead a happy and healthy life.
1. Gum disease
2. Tooth discoloration
3. Bad breath
4. Loss of bone
5. Higher risks of Oral Cancer
Gum disease
When you smoke your immune system gets weak thereby
lessening your mouth's ability to fight against the bacteria and infections.
Frequent smoking forms bacterial plaque on your gums if it is left untreated it
may lead to gingivitis. With gingivitis untreated, you will get a severe gum
disease called periodontitis which may affect your gums hardly that may even
result in removing your teeth.
Tooth Discoloration
You can even find the difference by yourself, the teeth
colour of the people who smoke will be much different from those of the
non-smokers. When you smoke, the bacteria settle down deep into your teeth
forming a hard yellow coloured layer over your teeth. The normal colour of your
teeth gets disappeared leaving stains on your teeth.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of the common problems among
smokers. Bad breath is caused by the chemicals present in the cigarettes. These
chemicals build bacteria in your mouth and affect your gums, teeth, tongue and
other surrounding areas. This causes bad breath from your mouth. Another reason
for bad breath from smoking is because it dries the mouth very soon. Smoking
stops saliva to flow and rinse away the bacteria in your mouth. When saliva is
stopped bacteria gets multiplied in your mouth leading to a bad odour while
breathing.
Loss of Bone
As mentioned earlier, smoking leads to gum diseases
like periodontal diseases. When the periodontal disease gets severe, it affects
the jaw bone. If the bacteria in your mouth are not cleared off properly, it
will stay in your mouth which will melt your bones. If this condition is not
treated earlier, you may subject to lose your teeth. When the tooth is lost,
the bone which had been holding the lost tooth starts to get weak. This affects
your face badly and it may also lead to premature ageing where you tend to look
older than your original age.
Higher risks of Oral Cancer
One who smokes frequently have a higher risk of
dying of oral cancer than who doesn't smoke. 40% of smokers diagnosed with oral
cancer are expected to die in 5 years after finding it. When the person is also
an alcohol addict then his life is at danger. Smoking creates many dental
problems that affect the teeth and the gums which may result in oral cancer.
Once diagnosed, then the treatment will be severe that includes surgery and
radiation therapy. You can extend your life span by quitting smoking for your
entire life.
Quitting is the best solution than any other method
to stop the habit. Self motivate yourself, make up your mind, meditate, know
that your health is more important than anything else. Quit smoking and keep
your teeth healthy to lead a wholesome life. Visit your dentist when you identify the early signs of gingivitis.
