The effects of smoking on your oral health

We all know that smoking is harmful to our health. It causes numerous cardiovascular diseases and is directly linked to over 85% of all cases of lung cancer, making it the leading cause of cancer death in Canada.

But smoking does not only affect the lungs! It is responsible for several oral problems, including oral cancer. Depending on their smoking habits, smokers are between 2 and 20 times more likely to be affected.

But smoking does not only affect the lungs! It is responsible for several oral problems, including oral cancer. Depending on their smoking habits, smokers are between 2 and 20 times more likely to be affected.

Impact of smoking on teeth:

• Yellow teeth with blackish spots;
• Accumulation of plaque and tartar, which increases the prevalence of dental caries;
• Increased sensitivity of the teeth to heat and cold.

 Impact of smoking on the gums :

• Gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis);
• Gum recession which exposes tooth roots;
• Main cause of tooth loss in adults;
• Difficult healing of oral wounds and lesions;
• Much slower healing after dental procedures or extractions. The success rate of periodontal treatments and dental implants is lower (complications, inflammation, implant rejection).

Smoking also causes a range of unpleasant side effects such as reduced taste and smell and persistent bad breath. Quitting smoking eliminates the harmful effects on teeth and gums, reduces the risk of cancers (mouth, pharynx and lungs), cardiovascular diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Want to stop? …get help!

Quitting smoking is easier said than done! It is the nicotine that is responsible for the strong addiction to cigarettes, but the social habits associated with the act of smoking contribute to making it so difficult to stop.

Talk to your dentist and doctor, they can help you find effective solutions to support you in your journey. Using nicotine patches and gum, as well as developing strategies that help control the things that make you want to smoke, can help you quit.

Quitting smoking is the greatest gift you can give yourself… It is possible!