Scientists have discovered countless ways in which tobacco use is horrible for your health, and we can probably assume that the list will only continue to grow as more data becomes available. Smoking and chewing tobacco is particularly harsh on your oral health since these habits cause dental stains, bad breath, gum disease, and dry mouth. Here’s a brief guide to the risks of dry mouth and why quitting your smoking habit is one of the best things you can do for your smile and overall wellbeing.
How Can Tobacco Wreck My Oral Health?
Tobacco products such as cigarettes, dip, and chew contain a host of noxious chemicals, and your gums will harden to defend themselves when exposed to them. Having to do this frequently will gradually exhaust them, which leads to gum recession as well as dental sensitivity and greater risk of tooth loss. Nicotine also causes blood vessels to constrict, and smoking lowers the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. These effects both make it harder to fight gum disease, and smoking is also linked to a higher risk of oral cancer.
What’s So Horrible About Dry Mouth?
Tobacco use also reduces your mouth’s saliva production, resulting in dry mouth. While this problem might seem only mildly annoying on the surface, it sets your teeth and gums up for damage and leads to issues like bad breath. Saliva serves to flush your mouth clean and keep your teeth nourished and lubricated to prevent infection and injury, and exposing your teeth to acidic items such as soda and alcohol without their protective layer of spit is quite harsh on your enamel.
How Can I Keep My Mouth Healthy?
You can avoid the problems caused by tobacco and dry mouth in the following ways:
- Stop using tobacco products
- Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily
- Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to promote healthy saliva flow
- Seeing your dentist for routine exams and cleanings
Don’t let a tobacco habit stand in the way of your smile staying beautiful for life. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your mouth healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Dann earned his dental degree at the University of Toronto and completed his post-graduate dental internship at Toronto General Hospital. He has his certificate in Implant Dentistry as well as his specialty certificate in dental anesthesia. His office in Toronto offers cosmetic dentistry, preventive dentistry, and restorative dentistry as well as dental implants. For more tips about improving your oral health, contact his office online or dial (647) 559-3176.
