How Does Smoking Affect Your Gums & Teeth?
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Periodontal Disease
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It is estimated that over half the cases of periodontal disease can be attributed to tobacco use. Periodontal disease and gum disease are the same condition. It is a bacterial infection where the bacteria feed on plaque around your teeth. The bacteria flourish and continue to grow, causing more plaque. This condition causes your gums to bleed, become infected and pull away from the teeth. In the end, people with periodontal disease will lose their teeth. They also have the complication of a chronic, oral infection.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
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Researchers believe periodontal disease contributes to the risk of heart attack and stroke. Oral bacteria make their way into the bloodstream where they attach to plaque and form clots. Because gum disease is a chronic condition, scientists feel that the long-term inflammation of the gums contributes to arterial swelling. If blood vessels are inflamed and filled with clots and plaque, the circulatory system cannot function properly. This leads to heart attack and stroke, which is about two times more likely in periodontally diseased individuals.
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Other Affects
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Smokers' bodies are robbed of important nutrients, including vitamin C. This vitamin aids in healing and immunity. Smokers have diminished ability to fight infection, and periodontal disease is no exception. Interestingly enough, a smoker's gums are less likely to bleed than in people who do not smoke. This leads smokers to think that their oral hygiene is appropriate. A smoker also experiences decreased saliva and increased tartar buildup.
Oral Cancer
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Oral cancer should be a great concern to smokers, too. Almost all of those diagnosed with oral or throat cancer have used tobacco. The chances of cancer recurring, even after treatment, are high. Smoking products contain many harmful substances including carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde and arsenic. All quickly poison your body and contribute to abnormal cell growth, the cause of cancer.
Stained, Yellow Teeth
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Smoking stains teeth in spite of regular brushing. Many smokers are easy to spot because of the yellowed, aged appearance of their teeth. This is an embarrassing problem that contributes to bad feelings and lowered self esteem. In addition to the yellow staining, smoking causes brown stains, especially on plaque, due to residual tar deposits.
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