Many people are aware that smoking can affect their health. However, some do not know that it can also impact oral health. Smoking can affect the mouth, gums, and teeth. In this case, it is best to quit smoking. In this article, you will learn how smoking affects oral health.
Plaque and Tartar Build-Up
Tobacco contains chemicals that interfere with saliva flow. When there is not enough saliva in your mouth, you will experience a dry mouth, which increases plaque buildup. Plaque can develop along the gum line or around the teeth, and if left untreated, it can harden to tartar. Plaque and tartar are among the causes of periodontal diseases, which later result in tooth fallout. Thus, if you smoke, you're more likely to have gum diseases.
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration is one of the effects of smoking. This occurs due to the ingredients of tobacco. For instance, tobacco smoke produces tar and nicotine. These residues build up on the teeth. Over time, they seep into the enamel through tiny pores, causing tooth discoloration. Tar causes the teeth to turn brown, and nicotine combines with oxygen, causing the yellowing of the teeth.
Bad Breath
As you are aware, smoking results in a dry mouth. When you have less saliva in your mouth, rinsing particles that cause bad odor can be challenging, leading to bad breath. Who would like to stay near a person with bad breath? When you have bad breath, people will likely avoid you. This can lower your confidence and may lead to depression.
Do you want a healthy mouth? Then you need to reduce the risks of oral issues. This may involve brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling dental appointments. If possible, it would be best to cut down or quit smoking. Our dentists will help to maintain a healthy mouth through a regular oral examination. They can also recommend an organization with vital information on how to quit smoking safely.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 • (971) 708-1608 • centurydentalllc.com • 12/4/2024 • Key Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR
Many people are aware that smoking can affect their health. However, some do not know that it can also impact oral health. Smoking can affect the mouth, gums, and teeth. In this case, it is best to quit smoking. In this article, you will learn how smoking affects oral health.