It is common knowledge that smoking is injurious to health and is one of the leading causes of cancer. However, cancer is not the only disease caused by cigarettes. There is a multifaceted impact of smoking on oral health potentially leading to a range of serious health concerns. From ruining the natural appearance of your teeth to complete tooth loss, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to various dental issues.
smoking and oral hygiene
Here are some issues caused by smoking and oral hygiene mismanagement:
- Bad Breath:
Smoking is a direct contributor to bad breath, given the presence of noxious chemicals in tobacco. To prevent situations where people avoid face-to-face conversations due to bad breath, it’s crucial to address potential causes, such as smoking. You can avoid the embarrassment by reducing your smoking habits or, ideally, quitting altogether. This can help improve your overall oral hygiene and social interactions.
- Teeth Discolouration:
In the context of teeth, another common subject of embarrassment and low confidence is stained and discoloured teeth. Cigarettes contain nicotine and tar that easily lead to yellow and brown spots on your teeth, dulling the brightness of your smile. The worst part is that regular dental hygiene practices are usually not sufficient in counteracting this trouble.
- Gum Disease:
Smoking can contribute to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which is counted among major oral health concerns. It is a severe infection in which the tissues of the supporting structure of teeth get damaged, leading to swollen, bleeding gums, receding gum lines, and even tooth loss in extreme cases. This happens due to the chemicals in tobacco, hindering blood flow to the gums and compromising immune response.
- Delayed Healing After Dental Procedures:
It is not uncommon among smokers to experience delayed healing after dental procedures such as extractions or oral surgeries because smoking impairs blood flow and reduces oxygen supply to the surgical site. This can prolong recovery times. That is why dentists often recommend quitting smoking prior to dental procedures, so that healing can be expedited.
- Reduced Sense of Taste and Smell:
A common impact of smoking on oral health is a compromised sense of taste and smell. This, in turn, impacts one’s ability to fully enjoy food and beverages. The chemicals in tobacco damage taste buds and olfactory receptors, diminishing the overall sensory experience. For those who appreciate good food, quitting smoking is advised to regain the full enjoyment of meals, embracing their complete taste and aroma.
- Oral Cancer:
The increased risk of developing oral cancer is the most widely-known and severe consequence of smoking on oral health. The carcinogenic substances in cigarette smoke cause cancer in the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Since the symptoms of oral cancer are usually not so apparent, the only way to detect it at an early stage is to schedule regular dental check-ups.
By now, you must have realized that the best thing you can do with your cigarettes is to throw the entire stash in a garbage bin. Smoking is not only a leading cause of cancer but also the reason you may lack the confidence to smile or speak in public due to the fear of discolored teeth or bad breath. We urge you to quit smoking today because maintaining your oral health requires care and attention. For making sure that your teeth and gums are healthy, consider opting for regular check-ups at Six Sigma Dentistry, a trusted clinic for dental health issues in Gurgaon.
More
Among all the things you ought to protect in life, your teeth should certainly be one. In order to maintain strong and healthy teeth, knowing how to maintain good oral hygiene is essential. It is not only important for ensuring an impressive smile but also for your overall well being. If you are not sincere about your oral health, the consequences can come in various forms – cavities, tooth discolouration, gum disease and many more.
Fortunately, you can safeguard your beautiful smile by following a few simple tips for healthy teeth and gums. This blog brings to you five dental tips that can effectively help you maintain a good oral health and prevent common dental complications.
- Don’t stop at just brushing twice a day:
Laziness might want to limit your oral hygiene steps to brushing your teeth twice a day, but just know that it does not suffice. Though it is a fundamental practice for good oral hygiene, the key lies in doing it effectively and going beyond just brushing everyday. For proper dental hygiene, you should incorporate flossing and using mouthwash in your daily routine. It cleans the parts of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t reach. As far as brushing is concerned, it is advisable to brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Not all that you eat is okay for your teeth:
The impact of your diet on your oral health is greater than you think. Sugary snacks and acidic beverages are known to be the biggest enemies of healthy teeth. Food items that are highly acidic or have high content of sugar can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion. So, it is advised to limit the intake of such food items and instead opt for a diet that has a good balance of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables as these contain nutrients essential for maintaining strong teeth and gums. Furthermore, drinking water regularly is also an effective way to maintain good oral hygiene, as the water throughout the day maintains saliva production and rinses away food particles and bacteria.
- Protect your teeth from injury:
While damaged teeth from accidents are a common occurrence, taking precautions can minimise the risk of such mishaps, even though accidents themselves may be unavoidable. If you participate in sports or activities with high risk of accidents, it is only wise to wear a mouthguard. It can significantly reduce the risk of chipped or broken teeth, protecting your teeth during physical activities. So, whenever your teeth are at a risk, always take necessary precautions.
- Smoking is bad for your dental hygiene:
Beyond its well-known impact on lungs, smoking also wreaks havoc on your dental hygiene. Tooth decay, gum disease, and development of oral cancer are some major issues faced as a consequence of tobacco consumption. Besides, bad breath is also a common issue attributed to regular smoking or chewing of tobacco. If you’re someone who consumes tobacco in any form, you may want to start making efforts to quit smoking. You may also seek help and resources from your dental healthcare expert for quitting.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups:
Following a well-established dental care routine certainly helps you prevent dental health complications, but it does not eliminate the need for routine check-ups. Despite good oral hygiene, it is essential to visit your dentist at least once every six months to get professional cleaning services and get stubborn plaque and tartar removed. Furthermore, your dentist can also identify potential issues early on and guide you safeguard your teeth from any potential threats.
When it comes to protecting your teeth, a proactive approach to maintain good oral health is required. It takes various oral hygiene steps, not limited to just brushing your teeth regularly. The idea of good dental care is going an extra mile and opting for what is healthy for your teeth and keeping a check on what is not. Furthermore, it is strongly advised to see your dentist because involving a professional is among the most vital dental tips, as it ensures you are safe from any serious dental concerns. For optimal and professional dental care, we recommend scheduling regular appointments with Six Sigma Dentistry, renowned as one of the premier dental clinics in Gurgaon. All in all, to keep your teeth protected, a responsible approach for dental care is a must.
More
