While most of us know that smoking can negatively affect your overall health, its effects on the teeth and mouth are often overlooked. If you are a smoker or former smoker, we encourage you to take a closer look at some of the ways smoking impacts your teeth and the treatments McKinley Crossing Dental offers that can help restore your smile to full health.
- Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath, or “halitosis”, is a common side effect of smoking.
Treatment:
Although mouthwash, sugar-free gum and mints, and daily brushing and flossing can help manage bad breath, the most effective cure is to quit smoking.
- Stained Teeth
The nicotine and tar in tobacco aren’t only harmful for your lungs – they also combine forces to stain your teeth. Even after just a short time, smoking can give your teeth a yellowish tint. Heavy smokers often have teeth stained brown after years of smoking.
- Gum Disease
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, so it is something you should take very seriously. Smoking reduces your body’s ability to fight infection as a result of the lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. This often results in increased plaque and a greater risk of gum disease.
- Mouth & Throat Cancer
In addition to the conditions listed above, smoking can also cause oral cancer according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Treatment:
If you’re a former smoker looking to restore the brightness and shine to your teeth, our office offers a variety of teeth whitening services from take-home to in-office options. Dental veneers is another great way to transform your smile.
Treatment:
If spotted early, gum disease can often be treated and even reversed. However, if you continue smoking, your gum disease will continue to plague you.
Prevention:
Quit smoking to protect your oral and overall health!
Come See Us
Practicing good preventive care habits and visiting our office regularly for cleanings and exams is even more important if you smoke, as it allows Dr. Clauser to keep an eye on any potential problems. To ask our knowledgeable team any questions about why you should quit smoking or to schedule your next dental visit to our office, call us today.
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