Each year, nearly half a million Americans die prematurely of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. This deadly habit affects so many aspects of your health. Outside of fatality statistics, smoking adversely affects the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Bad Breath
We’re sure you’ve heard of smoker’s breath. Tar and nicotine from cigarettes settle in your oral cavity, resulting in halitosis. Outside of unpleasant breath, smoking can also cause dry mouth. With little or no saliva being created in your mouth, your body’s natural ability to break down food, swallow and cleanse your mouth of the acids and bacteria that attack your teeth is diminished.
Yellow Teeth
Discolored, yellow teeth are a direct result of smoking. Although stained teeth can be addressed with tooth whitening treatments or veneers, it means more out-of-pocket expenses for the smoker.
Decay
Smokers have a greater amount of dental plaque than non-smokers. The more you smoke, the more dental plaque you will have and the harder it will be to remove AND the greater your chances of experiencing tooth decay.
Gum Disease
As smoking weakens the attachment of bone and gums to your teeth, smokers are more prone to infections such as periodontal disease. Advanced stages of this disease lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss.
Oral Cancer
More than 9,750 people die from oral cancer each year in the U.S., with smokers being six times more likely than non-smokers to develop cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, sinuses, and throat.
Remember, it is never too late to quit and make positive changes not only to your dental health but your overall physical well-being. If you have questions about the effect of smoking on your dental health, feel free to call the office at 248.852.3130 or ask at your next dental check-up.
