It’s no secret that smoking is bad for you, causing many health problems like lung cancer and heart damage. Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to lead to cancer. Some of the chemicals used in cigarettes are also used in batteries, lighter fluid, nail polish remover, and more.
But did you know that smoking is also bad for your teeth? Smoking can cause significant damage to the teeth, gums, and tongue, making it harder for your mouth to fight off infection and bacteria. The damage smoking does to your teeth varies from moderate to life threatening.
Ways smoking affects your oral health include:
- Yellowing or browning of the teeth
- Foul breath
- Dry mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Delayed healing
- Buildup of hardened plaque
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Oral cancer
The good news is that it is possible to avoid these effects by not smoking. The bad news is that the more you smoke, the more likely you are to develop these problems. The best way to ensure your oral health is to practice proper oral hygiene techniques and to stay away from cigarettes.
If you are a smoker, think about the effects that smoking has on your health before having another cigarette. And if your oral health has suffered as a result of smoking, contact Cannon Park Dental to set up an appointment today. Dr. Myers and his team can come up with a treatment plan to help you mitigate the dental issues stemming from smoking.