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We know that the effects of cigarettes on the human body can be devastating. Health risks include, pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, and more.
Tobacco products have been linked to low birth weight in babies, lung function problems, and so many other diseases that have been well documented but that is not it. The effects of cigarettes on your teeth are also well documented.
Oral Health Issues and Smoking
You are diligent about your oral hygiene, you use your toothbrush two times a day at least, you even floss, yet you are still dealing with tooth decay, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and other oral health issues. What’s the problem?
If you use tobacco products (chewing tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, hookah) all the good things you are doing for your oral health are being negated by your tobacco use. The smoke and chemicals in these products are detrimental to your oral health and lungs.
Cigarettes, and other tobacco products are full of chemicals like nicotine that can cause periodontal disease, further tooth decay, and reduce your bodies ability to fight off these diseases. Quitting smoking right now can be one of the best things you do for your body and your smile.
Tips for Smokers
The first piece of advice we have for you at Friendly Dentistry is to stop smoking, but we understand that it is a lot easier to say than to do. Nicotine addiction can be very hard to break. There are things you can do that can help to ease withdrawal symptoms, and remove the risk of the effects of tobacco.
Smoking cessation is one of the easiest disease control and prevention lifestyle changes you can make. There are smoking cessation classes that can help teach you how to quit. Many cigarette smokers have found a great deal of success by using cessation classes combined with nicotine replacement options like nicotine chewing-gum.
You can also try connecting with a Quitline via your phone to get more tips and tricks about tobacco cessation. The risks of smoking can be contained if you cut back and eventually quit.
While you are doing your best to avoid tobacco smoke, it is imperative that you see your dentist at Friendly dentistry regularly. Early intervention for many of the problems that smoking causes is vital to ensuring your oral health.
At Friendly Dentistry our dental hygienists can educate you about control and prevention of a wide range of dental diseases that are known effects of cigarettes on your teeth. Here are a few tips that you can try to minimize your higher risk for dental disease:
- Brush your teeth frequently to help remove nicotine and other chemical residue.
- You should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day, ideally, after every meal.
- Swollen gums that are inflamed and painful, require a visit to the dentist. It is the early sign of gum disease.
- If you notice any white patches or growths inside your mouth get to the dentist fast.
- Get your regularly scheduled professional cleaning at Friendly Dentistry.
It can be more of a challenge to have healthy teeth when you smoke, but with the right support, and a commitment to diligent oral hygiene practices at home, you may be able to avoid the most severe of the preventable damage like bone loss.
Make an appointment today with Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro NC to get a full examination, including an oral cancer screening.