The Effects of Smoking on your Teeth

In recent years, clear studies have now brought to light the intimate connection that exists between oral health and overall health. With a plethora of diseases now having links back to infections that begin in the mouth, it is more important now than ever to place an emphasis on good oral hygiene to ward off illness and disease elsewhere in the body.

Dropping the bad habits

Smoking is a habit that adversely affects not only whole body health, but it has consequences for your mouth, teeth and gums as well. It is best to consider kicking the tobacco habit if you want optimal oral health and total body wellness. Here are some of the nasty effects that tobacco products and smoking have on your oral health:

• 1. Yellow stained teeth

  
  The prolonged use of tobacco products produces yellowish-brown stains on teeth; this sticky, tar-like substance is extremely hard to brush off; it takes a professional cleaning to remove the grime from your teeth and restore them to their normal state of cleanliness. If you want a dazzlingly white smile, you’ll have to give up the smoking and tobacco use.

• 2. Bad breath

  
  Smokers and users of chewing tobacco have chronic bad breath; it is evident from the first time you draw near to speak or interact with others. The excess buildup on teeth and bacteria that are present in the mouth after smoking make it almost impossible to maintain fresh breath, no matter how many mints you pop. If your desire is for fresh breath, consider kicking the habit.

• 3. Gum disease

  
  Smokers are four times as likely to develop periodontal disease; this is due to the fact that smoking suppresses the immune system, making it harder to fight off disease and infection. Sticky tar, plaque and tartar that cling to teeth can find their way underneath the gemlike, causing disease and inflammation that can lead to decay and tooth loss in some cases. Those who wish to keep their teeth should consider giving up this harmful habit.

• 4. Oral cancer

  
  The most dire consequence of smoking is the development of oral cancers. All cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products have harmful poisons and carcinogens that can contribute to cancerous growth in the mouth. Appearance of mouth lesions, loose teeth, and other abnormal growth inside the mouth are all indicators that you need to seek medical attention immediately to determine the cause of these abnormalities. Oral cancer can quickly spread to other areas of the body; it is essential that you obtain a proper diagnosis and seek treatment as soon as you recognize that there may be issues with your oral health.

Whole-body health starts in the mouth

Plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth leads to tooth decay and degeneration of gum tissue; infections that reside in the soft tissues of the mouth can quickly spread to the bloodstream, affecting all other parts of the body. Studies have shown that gum disease has clear links to cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, and even diabetes. It becomes clear that we need to start prioritizing our oral health to protect our overall health and wellness.

Toothbar: Austin Cosmetic Dentistry At Its Finest

Restoring your smile after years of smoking can be difficult; at Toothbar, we are here to help you regain your smile and your confidence. Your oral health is extremely important to us; let the professionals in our unique atmosphere restore your oral health and contribute to your overall health and wellness. If you are in need of premiere Austin cosmetic dentistry, look no further. Better oral health is just one appointment away. A vibrant and healthy smile will soon be yours!