Smoking cigarettes exposes your teeth to certain compounds that are harmful to oral health. These compounds pose a great risk to your teeth and may cause serious dental problems in addition to teeth staining and bad breath. 

Dr. Gubernick at Flex Dental in Tampa, Florida, is happy to answer any questions you may have on the connection between smoking cigarettes and oral health problems, as well as potential treatments. 

Keep reading to learn more about some of the major teeth problems that are linked with cigarette smoking and how to deal with them.

How Smoking Affects Oral Health

Gum Disease

Excessive buildup of tartar and bacteria on the teeth and gums caused by smoking cigarettes can lead to the development of gum disease or periodontal disease. 

Stained Teeth and Bad Breath

The nicotine and tar present in cigarette smoke can cause your teeth to stain and discolor. Heavy smokers often complain that their teeth are brown after many years of smoking. Smoking also decreases saliva production causing bad breath.

Leukoplakia

Heavy smoking can cause leukoplakia, a condition that causes white patches or spots to appear inside the mouth. Leukoplakia is treatable. But if you continue smoking, there is a greater probability that it will return. 

Cancer

As per the American Lung Association, cigarettes are behind 90% of all lung cancers. Moreover, smokers are about 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.

Interference With Dental Procedures 

If you are a smoker and have a dental procedure scheduled, there is a high probability that any kind of procedure such as a dental implant or oral surgery might take longer to heal. In addition, smoking cigarettes decreases the treatment’s chances for success.  

Treatment Solutions

Here is how you can prevent or treat the negative effects smoking cigarettes can have on your teeth: 

• Quit smoking
• Get professional teeth whitening treatments for teeth stains 
• Get professional teeth cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup
• Get regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health and treat any issues early on 

If you want to learn more about the effects of cigarettes on your teeth, schedule an appointment at Flex Dental by calling (813) 999-1092 or visiting us at 310 S Dale Mabry Hwy Suite#120, Tampa, FL 33609.