The various health issues associated with smoking tobacco have become more and more obvious over the years. Studies have repeatedly confirmed the impacts of the habit, affecting your lungs, heart, and vital organs.
However, their ill effects don’t stop there. There is mounting evidence that our teeth and gums are impacted strongly by the habit, a reality that deserves more press than it typically garners.
Smokers are three to six times more likely to develop gum diseases than non-smokers. Their teeth, on average feature considerably more calculus and plaque, key ingredients of tartar, the prime cause of cavities and tooth decay. Typically, under the gum line, pockets of tartar are created, out of the reach of most toothbrushes, which leads to cavities and pockets of decay.
The gums of a smoker, by and large, actually bleed less than non-smokers. But this is misleading. If one’s gums are bleeding, this is a warning sign, a signal from their mouth that their gums are agitated, and are attempting to clean themselves. But due to a decrease in blood flow, smokers typically don’t receive this warning sign until their gingivitis or periodontitis is considerably further advanced. It also means that any corrective procedures by your dental surgeon are made more difficult, and take longer to heal properly.
Quitting the habit is one of the best things you can do for your health, right now. But in the absence of this, it is highly important for smokers to have their teeth and gums checked regularly, and to maintain good oral hygiene habits, or risk the onset of gum diseases.
Company : National Periodontics
Contact : Arthur Drouganis
Address : 80 North Terrace, Kent Town, SA 5067
Phone : 08 8363 3700
Fax : +61 08 8363 3744
E-mail : kenttown@natper.com.au
Website : https://www.natper.com.au