Another Reason To Quit Smoking… Your Oral Health!

Old wrinkly man smoking a cigar

HABITS ARE HARD TO BREAK—even habits that you know are bad. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we know that you’ve heard the health arguments encouraging you to quit. But have you thought about what smoking means for your teeth? Just in case you need that extra motivation, here are some facts about how smoking impacts your oral health:

Smoking Causes Major Cosmetic Issues, Including…

  • Staining and discoloration
  • Bad breath
  • Puckering wrinkles around your mouth

Smoking Is Linked To Tooth Loss

Smokers have a much higher incidence of gum disease and tooth loss.

This may be because smoking lowers your mouth’s ability to fight infection, which is what causes gum disease (and subsequently, tooth loss) in the first place. Many studies also show that smoking decreases bone density throughout the body, which could reduce the bone support in your jaw anchoring your teeth in place.

And It’s One Of The Primary Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer, which is a very severe, and alarmingly common, issue. Oral cancer will not only impact the way your mouth looks and feels, but it can destroy your whole life.

It’s Never Too Late

Remember, it’s never too late to improve your health by quitting. After a few years of quitting, your risk of many tobacco-related health problems, including cancer, is reduced to that of someone who has never smoked.

If you’ve recently quit, celebrate by sprucing up your smile with some whitening, or maybe even a smile makeover! Think about it. Many nail-biters kick the habit by giving themselves fancy manicures because it motivates them to keep their nails looking beautiful. A white, healthy smile that you’re proud of might be just the push you need to resist the next time a craving comes.

If you have any questions about your oral health, especially as it relates to smoking and other harmful habits, ask us! We love to hear from you. If you think this information will be useful to someone you know, please pass it along.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

Related Posts