How does smoking affect oral health?

Published: 18/05/2012

Most people will be aware of the more obvious links from smoking to diseases such as throat cancer and heart disease.  However, there are many more smokers out there that are unaware of the less obvious ones linked to general oral health.

There are a range of low risk oral hygiene issues that arise with smoking such as discolouration of the teeth - often staining them yellow at the front - bad breath and a build-up of tartar and plaque around the mouth. Although Dentist Sloane Square and other providers offer advice and treatment for people, many oral issues arising from smoking go untreated.

With no smoking day approaching, dentists are urging patients to stop smoking or risk gum disease and other more serious oral health issues including throat cancer. Smokers are more likely to experience gum disease than non-smokers.  This can lead to tooth loss, gum tissue receding, bone reduction around the jawbone and detaching from soft tissue around the mouth.  Smoking has also been shown to affect the gum tissue cells functioning as they should, leading to infections including periodontal disease and delay any healing from operations such as tooth extraction.

Dentist Knightsbridge experts and other professionals can guide smokers to a healthier mouth and oral routine.  For smokers who are worried about their oral health, by visiting a dentist you can be assured that you will get advice and guidance on taking the next steps towards a cleaner, fresher mouth.