Both cigarettes and vaping have serious negative impacts on general health; however even worse for oral hygiene. Smoking rates are still quite high in Houston, and individuals must understand how these factors impact the health of their teeth. In this post, we will explore the impact of smoking and vaping on our oral hygiene followed by long-term damage that occurs to teeth, gums, and overall dental health as described by a Houston dentist.
1. Impact of Smoking On Our Oral Health
It is already common knowledge that smoking can cause a whole host of oral health problems including staining, gum disease, and even oral cancers. Smokeless tobacco also contains tar and nicotine, but without the cigarette smoke that results in teeth staining and damage to delicate mouth tissues. The following are common problems those dealing with oral health and smoking have to contend with.
- Tooth Discoloration: Tar and nicotine cause the teeth to yellow or brown, making it hard for smokers to keep a white smile. The truth is, even the most diligent tooth brushing will not brighten these stains much and you may need to have them treated professionally.
- Increased Risk of Gum Disease: Smoking limits blood flow to the gums, which impairs the body’s defense mechanism against bacterial infections. This raises the susceptibility to periodontal disease which if left untreated, can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
- Delayed Healing: Smokers generally take longer to recover from oral procedures because blood flow decreases, making it harder for the tissue in the mouth to heal itself.
- Oral Cancer Risk: It dramatically increases a person’s risk of developing oral cancers, particularly those involving the lips, tongue and throat
2. Vaping and Its Effects on Your Oral Health
Vaping is a popular smoking cessation method because it is marketed as safer than traditional cigarettes, but studies show that vaping can still cause damage to oral health. Chemicals that can harm the mouth are normally included in e-cigarette aerosol while vaping devices also have nicotine:
- Dry Mouth: Because there is no saliva being produced, this will automatically lead to a dry mouth. Saliva is important for cleansing bacteria and neutralizing acid in the mouth. In their absence, bacteria accumulate to cause the formation of tooth decay and also cause bad breath.
- Gum Inflammation: Nicotine in e-liquids causes reduced blood flow to the gums, causing inflammation and potentially making users more likely gum disease. In general, studies have proven that chronic vaping also generates the same inflammatory responses in gum tissue as smoking.
3. Impact on Gum Health
Smoking and Vaping: Both these bad habits have an adverse effect on the oral hygiene of a person. In the case of smoking, it is oxygen and nutrient flow to gum tissue that can be blocked causing damage and breaking down tissues leading to recession. With receding gums, the tooth beneath is exposed and open to decay and sensitivity. Of the many factors that lead to tooth loss in adults, tobacco smoking is a significant cause of periodontal disease.
A smoker or vaporer needs to take the risks seriously and give their gums and teeth extra care. Plaque and tartar are formed by the build-up of particles in both smoking cigarettes or vaping, causing problems including gum disease, cavities as well as serious diseases like oral cancer. With proper dental care, visiting the dentist regularly, and exploring quitting options great strides can be made in protecting teeth and gums. Smokers and vapers can also move in the right direction for a healthier grin, as long as they are proactive about it.
