Smoking is a bad habit and most people are aware of its consequences. It can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and lung cancer, and there are a number of other risks involved. Smoking can also impact your oral health and may increase your chances of developing gum disease or tooth loss. While these issues are not always life-threatening, they are considered serious.
Those who smoke are twice as likely to develop gum disease when compared to individuals who do not and it is four times as likely that the infection will become advanced. The risks are much higher for smokers and both your general and oral health can constantly suffer as a result. Those who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke can also experience these increased risks, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
One of the reasons why smokers have a higher risk of developing gum disease is that they are less likely to notice they have the disease in the first place. This is because the nicotine in tobacco smoke interferes with normal blood circulation and the gums may appear healthy, despite the fact that they are not.
Non-smokers would be able to recognize symptoms like red, swollen or bleeding gums a lot faster because they would be able to tell that their gums look different. Nicotine can trick you into thinking your gums are healthy when, in reality, they are not. This circulation interference can also affect the production and supply of antibodies that are required to fight the infection and this can make the disease worse by intensifying it.
It can also slow down the healing process and may complicate the treatment, so there are a number of reasons why smokers are far more likely to develop gum disease and why their risks are higher. Additionally, smokers are also more likely to experience repeated infections and this is a condition that is referred to as refractory periodontitis.
The good news is that smokers can do something about this and quitting can make a world of difference. The negative effects on your gums do not have to be permanent and as soon as you stop the habit, your body may start to repair the damage. The health of your gums may improve significantly once you stop smoking, so while it’s hard to do, it is extremely important to try. You can stop the habit abruptly or try a different plan to help you quit over time. However you choose to kick this nasty habit, the most important thing is that you do it because the longer you wait, the more your health risks can increase.
Westney North Dental can help you achieve a beautiful smile. We are a dental centre in Ajax and our reputable dentists can take care of all of your oral health needs. Whether you need an emergency dentist or want whiter teeth, we can help, so contact us for an appointment today!
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