The world we live in is highly stressful, and we all have crutches that provide us with temporary relief from pressure. If yours is smoking, you undoubtedly know the dangers of smoking for your health. You might have even have made failed attempts at quitting under your belt already.
What if we told you that puffing on a cigarette does not only increase your chances of cancer, but can also make you more susceptible to developing oral infections too?
Come and chat to our dentist in Richmond if you are serious about curbing your addiction, and learn more about the adverse effects of tobacco on your teeth.
How will a dentist in Richmond know if you are a smoker?
You might have vigorously brushed your teeth before your appointment with us and chewed on spearmint gum, but our dentist can tell straight away if you smoke.
For one, no matter how well you try to mask the smell, the strong tobacco scent will remain in your mouth, especially when you open your mouth for us to examine.
Other visible symptoms of being a smoker, which are often a sign that your overall dental health is in jeopardy, are teeth discolouration, more tartar build-up than non-smokers, small white patches around the mouth, and the prevalence of gum disease.
Did you know that if you are a smoker, your chances of contracting gum disease are higher?
The more you smoke, the less oxygen there is circulating the bloodstream. Without the necessary oxygen, your gums cannot breathe properly, which leaves you more susceptible to gum diseases.
There are two stages to gum disease. Gingivitis is the early and reversible stage accompanied by inflamed gums, while periodontitis is a severe gum infection that if left untreated, could spread to tissue and bones, resulting in extensive damage and even tooth loss.
Other risks you should know about
Due to a lack of oxygen, not only are your gums at risk, but your ability to physically heal slows down. You might find that it takes you longer to bounce back from a surgical procedure than a healthy non-smoker does.
Your teeth are discoloured or brown, depending on how much you smoke and for how long. Quitting or smoking less will help you attain brilliant, white teeth and a healthy smile.
You have increased chances of developing cancer - this is probably not news to you. That said, lung cancer is not the only disease you should be worried about, but also oral/mouth cancer and cancer of the throat and oesophagus.
The white patches - called leukoplakia - that form all around your mouth are caused by a tobacco irritation. While mostly non-cancerous, they can be early signs of cancer, so it is best to seek out dental care at out dentist in Richmond when they first appear. They are also unsightly and challenging to remove. One way in which they can disappear on their own is by you discontinuing your smoking habits.
Smoking is not only a risk to your physical well-being, but also your oral health and overall facial appearance. Chat to one of our experts for guidance on smoking cessation therapy.