Most of us are aware about the hazards of smoking. However, many do not fully understand that smoking leads to various severe oral health problems. Your dentist in Garland would like to share a few of the most important health issues with you.
Cigarettes are not the only form of tobacco available in the market today. Smokeless tobacco, hookah pipes and cigars are also to blame for many medical conditions. All these pose serious risks to your health.
Oral cancer is a silent and deadly killer. Since this disease progresses at a rapid rate, if detected too late it could be fatal. In addition to performing oral cancer screenings, your dentist will look for signs of nicotine stomatitis. The palate of a smoker will have patches that are red and white in color. Some studies suggest that this may progress to oral cancer after a significant period of time.
Smoking is a huge risk factor with regard to periodontal disease. A smoker is at an increased risk of developing gum problems. Most smokers will also notice that their gums have turned dark. This is a common occurrence for most tobacco users. The stain may fade in time if you stop smoking. However, it will never really return to the healthy shell pink color that it used to be.
Many smokers do not realize that their habit can slow down their healing process. After oral surgery, your dentist will inform you that it would be best if you did not smoke for at least one full day. If that does not motivate you to quit, you should also be informed that this particular vice can damage your gingival. This will cause gum recession and leave the roots of your teeth exposed. This also increases the risk of tooth decay and sensitivity to hot or cold food.
Smoking causes nicotine stains which will require intensive bleaching to remove. Then, there is also tartar build-up to think about. You will need to visit your dentist frequently to have the hardened plaque removed.
Your dentist understands that it may be hard for you to quit smoking. However, the negative side effects outweigh anything positive about tobacco products. If you have additional questions about the impact of smoking on your dental health, call 972-414-7195.