The most commonly recognized effect of smoking on your teeth is that they become stained and yellowed, making it necessary to spend more time and money on teeth whitening products that are not as effective as a professional whitening in the dentist’s chair. The tar and nicotine stains can be tough to remove and it can be difficult to maintain a bright white smile between appointments while you are actively smoking. Another effect of smoking on your teeth is that it can cause gum disease first by causing your gum line to recede which allows the roots to be exposed to and vulnerable to infection this can lead the loss of your teeth. In addition, smoking decreases the flow of saliva which is needed to help cleanse the mouth. This leads to a plaque build up on your teeth and that leads to tooth decay.
According the to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , about half of all adults in the US have some form of gum disease and half of those people develop severe gum disease due to smoking. In this case, it seems that the odds are already against you; however, smoking increases your risk of developing a severe case of gum disease. The message is clear that if you smoke, then you should be aware of the potential risks to your oral health. Taking care of your teeth and maintaining good oral health depends on cultivating good habits and being aware of the ones that put you at risk.
The effects of smoking on your teeth range from minor problems to serious illness with serious consequences. It can’t be denied that these days everyone knows the value of having a smile that reveals healthy white teeth. In fact, your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It is also important to do everything you can to avoid tooth loss and gum disease. These are problems that can cost you a lot of money to treat and in the long run prevention is the best method. The reality is that the longer you continue to smoke the more oral health problems you are likely to experience. The cumulative effect can destroy your teeth and your gums.
