Dental Health

How Do Cigarettes Impact Your Oral Health?

October 18, 2022

It’s well-known that cigarette smoking can impact both your bodily health and your dental health. In addition to the toxic chemicals they contain, cigarettes also contain nicotine, which can change your oral health and increase your risk for oral cancer and other health problems.

So how exactly do cigarettes impact your dental health? Here’s what you need to know about smoking and your teeth and gums.

Higher Risk for Gum Disease

Tobacco use significantly influences your risk of periodontal disease. Smoking can not only increase your risk for gum disease, but it can also limit how successful any treatments will be for your gum disease [1]. Cigarette smoking can cause gum recession, bleeding gums, and even loose teeth as a result of gum disease. What’s worse is that smoking may even suppress the symptoms of periodontal disease so that by the time you realize there’s a problem, the condition may have progressed significantly.

More Likely to Experience Tooth Loss

Smoking cigarettes also increases the chances of losing teeth due to periodontal disease [2]. The longer you smoke, the higher your risk, especially if you have been smoking for 10 years or longer. Since cigarette smoking can continue to impact your risk for tooth loss even after you quit, it’s imperative to take care of your oral health and visit your dentist regularly to protect your smile and keep your natural teeth.

Delayed Healing After Dental Work

If you need any type of dental work done, even if it’s simply having a cavity filled, cigarette smoking can hinder the healing process. Smoking can impact your immune system, which plays a vital role in helping the body to heal after any type of wound or procedure [3]. If you smoke and need a tooth extraction, treatment for gum disease, or a root canal, it’s recommended that you refrain from smoking during the healing process to help prevent infection and other complications.

Increased Risk of Cavities

People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to have tooth decay than those who don’t [4]. Research shows that cigarette smoking and nicotine can change the natural bacteria present in your oral cavity, which can make tooth decay more likely. If you have additional risk factors for tooth decay, such as compromised tooth enamel or a diet high in sugar, your risk increases even more.

Quitting Smoking Can Protect Your Oral Health

Smoking doesn’t just impact your dental health but your body and immune system as well. If you smoke cigarettes, it’s never too late to quit to protect your smile and your body. Ask your dentist or physician for more resources on quitting smoking. You are not alone and support is available!