Addiction Over Health
Smoking can lead to heart disease, cancer, even death, and yet it is still a common habit that many people in the United States can’t seem to break. The addictive aspect of nicotine is difficult to ignore, and it keeps many people tied to cigarettes even when they want to quit.
With all the damage we know smoking does to our bodies, it is not surprising to hear how bad smoking can be for our oral health. As a matter of fact, chewing tobacco, vaping, cigars, and cigarettes can all lead to gum disease, stained teeth, tooth loss, and various other dental problems.
The Consequences of Smoking
Smoking leads to stained teeth. This is because nicotine buildup will occur on the surfaces of teeth, turning them yellow. Frequent dental cleanings are recommended for smokers who wish to keep their teeth white, if they refuse to or cannot quit.
Smoking also, not surprisingly, causes bad breath. It may also decrease your abilities to smell and taste properly, numbing both senses over time.
The use of any form of tobacco increases your risk of developing gum disease, and the longer you smoke the greater your chances increase. This is because smoking weakens the immune system, and therefore, your body has a more difficult time fighting germs which can linger in the mouth. If you smoke, you double your chances of getting gum disease than if you did not smoke.
Gum disease is an infection of the gum and can lead to inflammation, swelling, pain, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, receding gums, bleeding gums, delayed healing, tooth loss, and damage to the jaw bone in serious cases.
Oral cancers, which can be particularly difficult to treat, are also caused by smoking. Oral cancer may include cancer of the tongue, lips, throat, sinuses, cheeks, etc. Smokers are far more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.
A Good Dentist is Worth a Thousand Smiles
While quitting smoking is difficult, it is not impossible. Striving to improve your oral health is always worth the effort, especially when you might be saving more than just your teeth, but your life, as well.
If you are looking for reliable, affordable dentists in Waukegan, IL to help you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, contact Family Dental Care today.
