Stoptober has Begun…Be Part of the Challenge and Improve Your Dental Health!

Smoking has an adverse impact on teeth and gums but why?

You may already be aware of the various health problems related to smoking but many patients do not realise the effects that smoking can have on their oral health. If you are a smoker, join in with the nation this October for the 28 day stop smoking challenge and relieve your mouth from the following problems;

Bad breath

No amount of tooth brushing or mouthwash will completely eliminate bad breath after smoking cigarettes; it will only help to mask the smell for a short time. Not only do the chemicals in cigarettes cause halitosis, smoking dries the mouth out stopping saliva from continual cleansing which allows bacteria to stick to the teeth, gums, tongue, sides of cheeks and throat. This creates a perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive and cause that bad odour!

Tooth staining

Quitting smoking can improve the appearance of your teeth. One of the most common side effects that concern smokers is the staining and yellow discolouration it can give due to nicotine and tar. There are various products out there main one being toothpaste, which are designed to help smokers with staining (we only recommend these products if they contain fluoride to keep the teeth strong.) Sometimes patients can be lead to believe that such products will make their teeth ‘whiter’. Most of these products are unable to physically change the colour of the teeth, instead safe cosmetic whitening would be recommended to combat the ‘yellow’ appearance. However, if smoking continues then so will the surface staining!

Tooth loss

People who smoke are more at risk of developing gum disease. Smokers are twice as likely to loose their teeth compare to those who do not smoke. Smoking can interfere with the flow of blood and nutrients to the gum tissues which may result in the supporting structure of the teeth being damaged. If there is a significant reduction in the bone structure then teeth become loose due to the lack of support, with the potential of causing discomfort too. When bone levels become reduced there is no way to reverse the process. The key is to maintain the surrounding structures and bone levels. Want to hold on to those teeth then we strongly advise quitting smoking and regular visits to your dentist. A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that people who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, on average lose two teeth every ten years.

Mouth Cancer

There are two leading cause of mouth cancer, one being alcohol and the other smoking! This includes not only the smoking of cigarettes but cigars and pipes. It is the chemicals within the tobacco that that damages the DNA and lead to cancer. Oral cancer can affect many parts of the mouth; lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, under tongue, inside cheeks or roof of the mouth. Part of a routine examination with your dentist will include these areas being checked as early detection is the key to a better prognosis so make sure you have got that examination booked in!

Feel even more benefit

Not only will your mouth feel the benefit from being smoke free your pocket will too…Stop smoking 10 cigarettes a day over 1 year will save you around £1,343 but over 20 years could save a whopping £26,863.

Give Stoptober a go for a breath of fresh air!

Alexandra Dental Care understands that quitting smoking is a difficult habit to stub out but we are more than happy to point anyone wanting to give up smoking in the right direction. There is a lot of help out there; you do not have to do it alone! Please contact us for any further queries.

For free local support to stop smoking you can call Derbyshire County Stop Smoking Service on 0800 085 22 99 or 01283 868425

 

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