Smoking and its effects
Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for their health. It can cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, many people donât realize the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth.{{more}}
Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases, mouth cancer.
One of the effects of smoking is staining on the teeth, due to the nicotine and tar in the tobacco. It can make your teeth yellow in a very short time, and heavy smokers often complain that their teeth are almost brown after years of smoking.
Smoking can also lead to gum disease. People who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums donât heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and causes gum disease to get worse more quickly than in non-smokers. Gum disease is still the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
Most people know that smoking can cause lung and throat cancer, but many people still donât know that it is one of the main causes of mouth cancer too. Every year thousands of people die from mouth cancer, brought on by smoking.
It is important that you visit your dentist regularly for a normal check-up and a full mouth examination, so that any other conditions can be spotted early.
In a full mouth examination, your dentist will also examine your cheeks, tongue and throat for any signs of other conditions that may need more investigation.
Dr Keith John
email:drkeithjohn@gmail.com
Clinic: SVG Dental Corporation
Telephone: 784-456-2220
Cell: 784-526-0752
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