“Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.”
Mark Twain
Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. More specifically, it appears that smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections, such as periodontal disease, and also seems to impair blood flow to the gums – which may affect wound healing.
The Effects of Smoking on Oral Health
Smoking leads to some dental problems, including:
- Bad breath.
- Tooth discoloration.
- Inflammation of the salivary gland.
- Openings on the roof of the mouth.
- Increased build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Increased loss of bone within the jaw
- Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth.
- Increased risk of developing gum disease.
- Leading cause of tooth loss.
- Delayed healing process.
- Following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery.
- Lower success rate of dental implant procedures.
- Increased risk of developing oral cancer.
Strategies That Can Help You Quit Smoking
- Contact the Quitline on 13 78 48. A Quit pack containing self help materials will be sent to you upon request
- Speak to your General Practitioner and consider the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy
- Avoid situations that put you in contact with other smokers
- Reward yourself for reaching small goals
- Never give up, try again!
