Tobacco and How It Affects Your Oral Health

Most people are aware that smoking is linked to a higher risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease, but using tobacco products can also affect your oral health. Smoking is believed to increase the risk of gum disease by impairing blood flow to gum tissue and interfering with normal gum cell function. Once you have developed periodontal disease, periodontal treatment is crucial to restore your oral health. There is no safe form of tobacco: Cigarettes, pipes, cigars and smokeless tobacco can all affect your oral health.

Cigar and pipe smokers are known to lose teeth at the same rate as cigarette smokers, and they are equally likely to suffer from stained teeth, bad breath and gum disease. Smokeless tobacco can be even worse for your oral health, as it directly irritates sensitive gum tissue and increases the risk of gumlines receding. If sugar has been added to add flavor to smokeless tobacco, the risk for tooth decay is increased exponentially.

Quitting tobacco in all its forms can be hard. However, by quitting, you will reduce your risk of oral health problems as well as your chances of having a stroke or heart attack or developing cancer. Our dentist can help you learn about ways to reduce your dependency on nicotine and improve your oral health. We can outline a treatment plan that can help you treat any dental problems you have and even whiten your smile.

Contact our dentist in Los Angeles to learn more about how we can help you or to schedule your consultation.