Why is Smoking a Big No for Your Dental Health?

It is common knowledge that smoking does more harm than good. It goes without saying that smoking invites a lot of trouble, right from respiratory to cardio-pulmonary issues. Of all the complications associated with smoking, the effects it has on dental health gets the least attention. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment or having braces, smoking can make your mouth more vulnerable to oral health problems.

Here are 6 ill-effects of smoking on your dental health:

1. Constricts Blood Vessels

The nourishment supplied to your teeth and other parts of your mouth is cut off due to smoking. Excessive smoking affects the gums and the areas surrounding the teeth, making it very susceptible to infection.

2. Stains Teeth

Smoking discolors your teeth. The nicotine and tar found in the tobacco can make your teeth yellow and stained if you do not brush properly after smoking. The teeth become completely brown after years of smoking. It not only affects the appearance but also harms your overall health.

3. Causes Bad Breath

Tobacco has a pungent odor which lingers in your mouth after one or more smokes and if you lack the oral hygiene then the smell intensifies. Mouth odor affects your relationships with other individuals and can lower your self-confidence.  

4. Makes Your Mouth Less Immune to Dental Problems

Your mouth will be bustling with bacteria all the time if you are a smoker. The plaque is difficult to remove inviting more disease-causing germs which makes your mouth a host of several different dental problems.

5. Increased Risk of Developing Oral Cancer

The more you consume tobacco, the more the risk of oral cancer increases. It is even more harmful to continue smoking after or during the treatment of oral cancer because there is a high chance of developing oral cancer for the second time.

6. Prolongs & Affects Orthodontic Treatment

Smoking affects the tissues in the body and for your teeth to move during an orthodontic treatment it is important for them to be in a good condition. If you have a poor oral hygiene routine, then smoking will increase the risk of more oral problems and make it worse.
Smoking not only stains your braces, clear aligners and teeth but also increases the time you spend in braces. It can increase the risk of periodontal disease and can take longer for your treatment to be more efficient.

Smoking not only compresses blood vessels in gums, but also stops the nourishment from being supplied to the bones and ligaments. The key to a healthy mouth and gums is maintaining good oral hygiene which involves brushing, flossing, regular cleanings and routine visits to the dentist or orthodontist. If you want a healthy mouth and add more years to your life, it is best to quit tobacco use of all kinds.

Author Bio

Sharon William’s day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers. She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighbourhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.