HARMFUL IMPACT OF TOBACCO ON DENTAL HEALTH

HARMFUL IMPACT OF TOBACCO ON DENTAL HEALTH

Tobacco has many ill effects on the health of an individual. Dental health is equally affected with use of tobacco. From dark stains to poor gum health to increased incidence of decay to the more severe effects like oral cancer, has a very detrimental effect on your dental health. 

Read on know more about how can be on the dental system.:

Gum disease: Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum problem 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.

Dental decay: The increased amount of bacteria and dryness in the mouth leads to greater incidence of dental decay. Chances of cervical decay (decay around the gum line) and root decay are higher in smokers. 

Poor healing: Whether it is a gum disease, a tooth, smokers who go for dental treatment need a longer time to respond compared to nonsmokers. If smoking is continued at the same pace, then the chances of developing a dry socket with an extraction or a failed root canal therapy are quite high. There are more failures reported in success of implant in smokers as compared to non smokers. 

Impaired taste The tongue has a constant coating too, leaving the taste buds unable to completely taste food substances.

Cancer: Tobacco use causes many types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum, and cervix, as well as acute myeloid leukemia. People who use smokeless (snuff or chewing tobacco) have increased risks of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas.

Tobacco is a dangerous product that can lead to a number of health problems. Giving up a tobacco habit can be difficult, but the benefits you’ll receive in return are more than worth it. Talk to your doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other health care provider about the proper use and potential side effects of nicotine replacement products and other medicines. They can also help you find local resources for assistance in quitting smoking.

Dr Harish Singhal

Consultant Dental Surgeon

BMCHRC, Jaipur