Effects of smoking on oral health

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Smokers have a higher risk of gum problems, tooth loss, complications after tooth removal, and developing oral cancer. They are also more likely to get infections and have a harder time healing than non-smokers.

1. The harmful effects of smoking on oral health

Smokers have an increased risk of oral health problems. Quitting smoking improves and reduces the risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer.
It is very important for smokers to visit the dentist regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and to check for signs of oral cancer.
The most common dental problems affecting smokers are:
1.1. Smoking and gum (periodontal) disease Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is caused by an infection that destroys the bone around your teeth that support your teeth. This bone holds the tooth to the jawbone to chew food.
Bacteria and food debris called dental plaque can cause gum disease. If left on teeth and gums, plaque hardens to form tartar or tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums around the teeth. This is often seen in smokers.
The two stages of gingivitis are gingivitis and periodontitis. If periodontitis is left untreated, the structures that hold teeth in the gums can be damaged. Teeth may become loose, fall out on their own, or the dentist may have to remove them.
It is important to prevent tooth loss. Losing teeth at the back of the mouth can cause problems with chewing food. Losing your front front teeth affects your ability to eat and drink, your appearance, and can cause problems with your voice. Teeth also play an important part in keeping the shape of the lower part of the face.
If you smoke, it is important to see your dentist for regular checkups. Symptoms of gum disease to watch for include:
Red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums; Drainage of pus from your gums; Gums that are loose and pulled away from your teeth; Has an unpleasant taste or bad breath; Loose teeth. This can change how your bite feels when your teeth are put together or make dentures fit snugly together; Wide gaps between your teeth.

1.2. Smoking slows down wound healing after dental treatment. In addition to damaging teeth, it also makes it harder for the immune system to fight off infections. This slows down healing after a tooth extraction or an injury in the mouth.
Smoking can lead to:
Dry socket - slow healing after tooth extraction, very painful; Increased pain after oral and gum surgery; Less successful if you have dental implants. Contact your dentist if you have any problems after dental treatment.
1.3. Risks of oral cancer and smoking Oral cancer is cancer that occurs in the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or the floor of the mouth and lips. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for oral cancer. Early diagnosis is important so that treatment can begin as soon as possible before the cancer progresses or spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment for oral cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
See your dentist or doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Persistent sores in the mouth or on the lips that do not go away after 7 to 10 days, especially if the sores painless; your mouth has white or red patches; Swelling in your mouth; Dentures suddenly don't fit properly. Finally, people who have quit smoking have the same risk of developing oral cancer as non-smokers, so it's never too late to quit.

2. Oral health risks with e-cigarettes

Smoking an e-cigarette or pipe (known as vaping) appears to be less harmful than smoking a regular cigarette. However, this may not be true for your oral health.
When you use an e-cigarette, you inhale the e-liquid (also known as vaping juice), which even if labeled 'nicotine-free, can still contain harmful substances, including :
Nicotine. Heavy metal. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Cancer-causing chemicals. The risk of e-cigarette devices causing problems in your mouth is much higher if they contain nicotine. The long-term effects of e-cigarettes are still not fully known.
However, there is some evidence that vaping can cause inflammation in the mouth, leading to gum disease and other oral health problems. Temporary loss of taste may occur in some e-cigarette smokers.

3. Prevents oral health problems in smokers

If you are a smoker, there are several things you can do to prevent tooth and gum problems, including:
Try to quit smoking - talk to your doctor or dentist for guidance. guidance and support. If you find it difficult to quit, try reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke to start. Clean your teeth and gums twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use floss (for small crevices) or an interdental brush (for large crevices) once a day. Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months. They can give advice on proper dental and gum care at home and detect problems early. Regular visits can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid dry mouth. Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. This is especially important if you take medicine that causes dry mouth. Limit alcohol and avoid stimulants. In summary, smoking increases the risk of oral health problems such as gingivitis, bad breath, weakened immune system... Therefore, quitting smoking will help to improve and reduce the risk. risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer.

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References: cdc.gov, betterhealth.vic.gov.au, webmd.com