Smoking is not only bad for your general health, it’s bad for your dental health as well. Smoking and smokeless tobacco can raise your risk for many different [link id=’131′ text=’dental problems’], including:
- Stained, yellow teeth
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Throat and esophageal cancer
- Bad breath
- Diminished sense of smell and taste
- Higher rate of dental implant failure
- Slower healing after oral surgery
Smoking is really bad for your gum tissue. Smoking cigars, cigarettes, or pipes can impair blood flow to your gums, which means your gums won’t heal well if wounded. Smoking also seems to make it easier for your gums to get infected. Certain studies have shown high rates of tooth loss and loss of the bone supporting the teeth among smokers.
Even with great [link id=’96’ text=’oral hygiene’] habits, you are still more likely to have a poor oral health status compared to nonsmokers and former smokers. It’s never too late to quit. Seek out support, such as family, friends or a smoking cessation support group. Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit. Both your oral health and your overall health will benefit greatly.
If you want to get your oral health back on track and are searching for an experienced dentist near Fairfax, please [link id=’50003′ text=’contact Pamela Marzban, DDS’], to schedule an appointment.
