Most people know that smoking is bad for health, causing heart disease and high blood pressure; but smoking can be bad for the mouth as well. The structures of the mouth together are called the periodontium, which include the teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene is important for smokers to keep the periodontium healthy and reduce the incidence of disease.
Identification
An adult's mouth should consist of 32 teeth. Each tooth has a crown, which is the upper portion that is seen in the mouth. The crown has an enamel covering that provides some protection against cavities and makes the tooth strong to chew and grind food. The tooth root is secured in the bone of the jaw below the gumline. The gums, called gingiva, provide a thin covering for the bone of the jaw and surround each tooth.
Stains
Smoking affects the teeth in the periodontium because the nicotine found in tobacco stains the teeth. Initially, nicotine stains may build up on tooth surfaces, which may be removed by using toothpaste specially designed for smokers. Eventually, tobacco stains penetrate the enamel of the teeth, which cannot be removed by brushing. Professional bleaching by a dentist can lighten stains on teeth from tobacco.
Gum Disease
Smoking increases a person's risk of developing periodontal disease, resulting in painful, bleeding gums; bad breath; pus among the teeth; and the potential for tooth loss, states Dr. Dan Peterson of Family Dental Gentle Care. Smoking can impede blood flow to the gums, limiting the body's ability to fight infection. The chemicals found in cigarettes contribute to poor health and provide a habitable environment for certain types of bacteria to grow, resulting in diseased gums and teeth.
Cancer
Smoking contributes to cancer of the periodontium because many of the chemicals found in a cigarette are carcinogenic, meaning they have the capability of causing cancer. Smoking causes leukoplakia, which results in white patches on the tongue, gums and cheeks. Leukoplakia is a precursor to oral cancer. Smoking may also lower a person's immune system, decreasing the ability to fight cancer as it develops.
Oral Care
Smokers require extra work at oral hygiene to maintain a clean mouth. This consists of frequent visits to a dentist ,who can clean excess plaque and tartar buildup off of the teeth. A dentist can also identify issues that may lead to the development of dental disease. Smokers may also need to use special toothpaste to clean tobacco stains and excess chemicals off of the teeth and gums. Brushing at least twice daily can help maintain a healthy mouth. See your dentist for recommendations about toothpaste that is made for smokers.
