Why Smoking And Teeth Don’t Go Well Together

When was the last time you had a quick smoke, thinking, “A few smokes here and there can’t be that bad, right?” 

Many smokers assume the damage is mostly limited to their lungs. But here’s the thing: smoking and teeth don’t get along either, and it has a way of creeping into every part of your health, including your gums.

So, let’s break it down and explore how smoking really affects your teeth and gums, and what you can do to maintain your oral health.

How Does Smoking Affect Teeth, Gums, And Oral Health?

Smoking can cause serious problems for your gums and overall oral health. The harmful chemicals in tobacco make it harder for your mouth to fight infections and heal properly, leading to conditions like gum disease. 

Let’s explore how smoking can impact your oral health, starting with gum disease.

1. Increased Risk Of Gum Disease

Smoking reduces oxygen in the bloodstream, making it harder for infected gums to heal and leaving the body vulnerable to severe gum disease, known as Periodontitis. Poor blood circulation in the mouth limits the ability to fight infections, while bacterial plaque caused by tobacco chemicals worsens the condition. 

2. Gum Pain And Other Issues

Smoking can lead to red, tender gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. Over time, these issues can progress into pain when chewing, pus between teeth, receding gums, and even loose teeth. Additionally, smokers may develop smoker’s keratosis, a whitening of the soft tissues in the mouth caused by irritation from tobacco.

3. Decreased Saliva Flow

Smoking reduces saliva production, the body’s natural defense against bacteria and plaque buildup. Without adequate saliva, dry mouth becomes common, leading to faster plaque accumulation, damaged enamel, and increased risk of tooth decay. 

4. Staining and Bad Breath

The tar and nicotine in tobacco stain teeth yellow and, for heavy smokers, can turn them a brownish color over time. These stains are difficult to remove and may even resist professional whitening. Smoking also leaves a lingering odor, causing persistent bad breath known as halitosis, that’s tough to manage.

5. Higher Risk of Mouth Cancer

While smoking is known to increase the risk of throat and lung cancer, it also significantly raises the likelihood of developing mouth cancer. Tobacco chemicals damage oral tissues, making smokers more prone to serious conditions such as tumors or lesions in the mouth.

6. Dry Socket After Tooth Removal

Smokers are at higher risk of developing dry socket, a painful complication after tooth removal where the healing process is delayed. Smoking reduces blood flow to the affected area and interferes with clot formation, leading to exposed bone and heightened sensitivity in the mouth.

7. Reduced Sense of Taste

Smoking can dull the sense of taste over time, making it harder to fully enjoy food and drinks. This reduction in taste sensitivity often goes unnoticed until it becomes significant, affecting a smoker’s overall quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Now that you understand the link between smoking and teeth or gum issues, you may wonder how to tell if you’ve got gum disease. The signs and symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to detect, especially for smokers, as smoking can mask many of the usual indicators. However, there are several warning signs to watch out for:

• Bad Breath (Halitosis): One common sign of gum disease is persistent bad breath, often due to bacteria accumulating along the gum line. Smoking can exacerbate this by drying out the mouth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria​.
• Bleeding Gums: Smokers might not notice bleeding gums, even if they have gum disease, because smoking reduces the typical signs of inflammation. Healthy gums should not bleed during brushing or flossing, so any persistent bleeding warrants attention​.
  
• Receding Gums: As gum disease progresses, the gums may begin to recede, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Smokers are at higher risk of this because smoking increases inflammation and weakens the body’s ability to heal itself​.
  
• Loose or Shifting Teeth: Smoking contributes to the weakening of the structures that support your teeth. Over time, this can cause teeth to loosen or shift. This is often a late-stage symptom of gum disease​.
  
• Abscesses and Pus: In advanced stages of gum disease, abscesses (painful, pus-filled pockets) may form between teeth. These abscesses are a sign of severe infection that requires immediate treatment. Smokers may experience delayed healing, making these issues harder to resolve​.

Because smoking alters the symptoms and progression of gum disease, it’s essential for smokers to stay vigilant about oral health, even if the typical warning signs aren’t apparent. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention of gum disease​. 

8 Ways to Maintain Healthy Teeth if You Smoke

Smoking exposes you to a higher risk of complications with your oral health. The best way to protect yourself is to quit the habit, but that’s easier said than done. 

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Smokers can still take preventive measures to reduce the harmful effects by following these oral hygiene tips.

1. Brush Properly

You need to commit to your oral hygiene routine. Brush properly at least twice a day and use a good quality toothbrush. Do not subject your teeth and gums to aggressive brushing as this could cause damage to the tooth structure near the gums and also result in gum recession.

2. Choose the Appropriate Toothpaste

Consider using a toothpaste specially formulated for smokers. There are toothpastes targeting nicotine and tobacco stains to help keep your teeth white. There are also the fluoride toothpaste variants that protect the gums.

3. Eat More Teeth-Friendly Food

Opt for food in high calcium and fibre. They help strengthen the enamel, neutralise mouth acids and act as a natural teeth cleaner. Trade some of your sweets and starchy snacks for crunchy fruits and leafy greens.

4. Clean Your Tongue

Smokers sometimes notice a yellow, brown or black discolouration of the tongue. Using a clean toothbrush or tongue scraper to clean your tongue will improve the situation, and should ideally be performed on a daily basis.

5. Rinse with Mouthwash

According to a study, cigarette smoking promotes the growth of bacteria. To help counter this, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Swish it in your mouth properly before spitting. You can ask our dentists for a mouthwash recommendation.

6. Water Consumption

Frequent consumption of water can counter the dehydrating effects of smoking. It is vital for smokers to maintain a high standard of dental hygiene as they are at a higher risk of decay and gum disease. This also helps to reduce bad breath.

7. Rinsing or Brushing After Smoking

Rinsing or brushing your teeth after smoking can help to reduce the degree of staining. It decreases the time the nicotine and tar sit on your teeth and gums.

8. Maintain Your Dental Appointments

Timely professional dental cleanings are crucial for your oral care. Always schedule regular dental appointments to keep your teeth and mouth in check. 

How Dentists Can Help Smoking and Teeth Problems

Of course, butting out for good is the best way to prevent smoking-related oral health issues. If you’re struggling and need help to quit smoking, talk to your dental health team or a doctor who can put together a tailored quit smoking plan.

Smile Place Dental recommends using Quitmate, a new quit smoking program that has been designed to help you quit smoking, with a group of doctors and support staff available every step of the way.

Learn more about Quitmate and book an appointment with a Quitmate doctor here.