Smoking cigarettes and oral health and teeth

According to statistics, every fourth person in Poland smokes cigarettes. The majority of smokers are aware of how harmful smoking tobacco is to their health. However, the problem of periodontal and dental diseases is still being trivialized. Maintaining proper oral hygiene for a cigarette smoker is not an easy task. The harmful substances contained in tobacco effectively hinder the maintenance of proper oral flora, often resulting in the development of oral diseases.

EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON THE ORAL CAVITY AND TEETH

Tooth discoloration

Among the most visually striking side effects of smoking are yellow teeth. Nicotine, combined with oxygen, takes on a yellowish hue, penetrating the tooth enamel and causing a change in their color. This significantly affects the aesthetics of the smile.

Bad breath

Cigarettes, besides nicotine, contain many harmful chemicals. They linger in the oral cavity, throat, and lungs for a long time, causing the characteristic breath of a smoker.

Deterioration of the overall oral health

Chemical substances in cigarettes also negatively affect the change in the microflora of the entire oral cavity. Disturbance in the proper level of individual bacterial cultures contributes to the colonization of pathogenic strains, resulting in various oral diseases.

Weakening of bone tissue blood supply

Tobacco also impairs blood circulation. This disrupts and slows down the healing processes of every tissue. It also limits or complicates the performance of certain medical procedures, for example, serving as a relative contraindication to implantation surgery.

Impairment of salivary gland function

Tobacco smoke impairs the function of the parotid salivary glands. Saliva in smokers is thicker, loses its moisturizing properties, and has weakened protective functions. Dry mouth promotes the development of fungal infections and other inflammatory conditions.

ORAL DISEASES CAUSED BY SMOKING

• tooth decay
• periodontal disease
• inflammation of the cheek mucosa
• tongue inflammation
• resorption of alveolar bone
• xerostomia – dry mouth
• halitosis – unpleasant mouth odor
• leukoplakia – white patches on the cheek and tongue mucosa
• oral thrush
• salivary gland inflammation
• salivary gland stones.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF ORAL HEALTH WHILE SMOKING CIGARETTES?

• Perform thorough tooth hygiene several times a day.
• Undergo professional dental cleaning at least twice a year.
• Visit the dentist for dental check-ups at least twice a year.

However, the best solution for oral health is to quit smoking altogether!