What is smoking, and why is it harmful?
Smoking is inhaling burning tobacco-based products often found in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Other plant matter and chemical-based products can be smoked with products like hookah pipes.
Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine, which can both be detrimental to the overall health of individuals. These chemicals aren’t meant to be introduced into the body; once they are, it can cause a whole host of issues, from cancers to more inconsequential issues like deep staining.
The impacts of smoking on our teeth?
There are several negative effects smoking can have on the mouth, ranging in severity and consequence, some of which include:
Dental staining
Nicotine and tar both produce a yellowish-brown residue which is able to permeate through the pores in the enamel. This then contributes to a yellow tint on the teeth, which can darken into a brown colour, depending on how frequently and how many cigarettes a person smokes.
Bad breath
Smoking itself is associated with a strong and unpleasant scent; this smell can cling to the skin and teeth, causing the breath to also smell bad.
Smoking can also irritate the salivary glands, slowing the rate of production, resulting in the mouth drying out. As the mouth dries, it can then produce a foul smell. This smell may sometimes be accompanied by a bad taste in the mouth.
Dental decay
Dental decay is a prominent issue associated with smoking. More bacteria are introduced into the mouth when smoking, increasing the amount of plaque and increasing the chance of decay developing.
Dry mouth can also contribute to the chances of developing cavities, as there’s no saliva to help rinse away the bacteria and plaque.
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Plaque production increases among smokers, which doubles the risk of developing gum disease as the gums are exposed to an increased number of harmful bacteria. Gum disease can be especially detrimental to the health of the teeth and gums. Especially in cases of recession, where the tooth can become loose or even fall out.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer, also referred to as mouth cancer, is the result of chemicals damaging the cells in the mouth. Cancer can present on the floor and roof of the mouth, the tongue, the cheeks, and the throat.
Smokers are at an increased risk of oral cancer, with approximately 75% to 90% of oral cancer cases being the result of smoking.
Can the damage from smoking on our mouths be reversed?
Whether the damage from smoking can be reversed will depend on the level of damage inflicted on the mouth. For minor issues like staining or bad breath, it can absolutely be reversed, utilising treatments like teeth whitening or composite bonding, along with quitting smoking and maintaining a consistent hygiene routine. Eliminating the contributing factor is crucial to maintaining a healthy and fresh smile.
In cases where the damage has resulted in gum disease, there is no definitive cure; it’s about managing symptoms and keeping the mouth clean. This is a long-term effect of smoking, which can be particularly disruptive for day-to-day life. With things like eating and keeping the teeth clean becoming difficult for more severe cases.
Whilst the effects of oral cancer cannot be undone once it has been treated, patients can go on to lead healthy lives providing they quit smoking and attend routine check-ups to ensure it hasn’t returned.
More permanent harms, like gum recession or tooth loss, require more extensive treatments for repair. Whilst the natural gum and tooth cannot be preserved, there are many great restorations which allow the gum or tooth to be replaced, creating a healthy feeling and looking mouth.
Are there safe alternatives to help quitting with smoking?
There are many ways smokers can quit smoking without causing any damage to the mouth or body. It’s always advised that you speak with your GP if you want to smoke, as they can provide helpful resources to support the process.
The GP can prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapies, such as products like patches or gum, which administer low levels of nicotine to help satiate cravings. They may even recommend talking therapies to understand how addiction affects the individual, allowing them to deal with any underlying factors which may cause them to smoke.
A safer but less studied alternative to smoking is e-cigarettes and vapes. Regulated products can be safer and contain fewer chemicals than that of tobacco based products.
For some, a GP may be able to prescribe medication to help reduce the overall impacts of cravings and withdrawals from nicotine.
If you are a smoker and want to restore health to your mouth, we encourage you to contact our dental practice to book a consultation. Our experienced dentist will be able to assess your needs and guide you through the appropriate treatments to restore health to your teeth.