How Tobacco Ruins Your Teeth

Everyone knows smoking is a bad habit, but do you understand the toll it takes on your oral health? Whether you prefer cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco, the effects can leave your teeth and gums in terrible shape. The good news is you can bounce back if you quit now and work with your dentist to restore your smile.

The Effects of Tobacco on Oral Health

Here are the top reasons your dentist wants you to quit smoking:

• Stained teeth and bad breath: Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine, which cling to your enamel, leaving unsightly yellow or brown stains. They also contribute to bacteria buildup that leads to chronic bad breath.
• Gum disease: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco dries out your mouth and reduces blood flow to your gums, making it harder to fight off infections. These conditions lead to gingivitis (early gum disease), which can progress to periodontitis (advanced gum disease) if left untreated.
• Tooth decay and cavities: Tobacco weakens your enamel, making it easier for bacteria to attack your teeth. Once cavities form, they can progress rapidly.
• Oral cancer: Tobacco use dramatically increases your risk of oral cancer, which may affect your lips, tongue, throat, or cheeks. Cigarettes and cigars release carcinogens that directly harm your tissues, while smokeless tobacco delivers a concentrated dose of harmful chemicals to your mouth. Even vaping introduces potentially cancer-causing substances despite being marketed as safer.
• Bone and tissue damage: Using tobacco weakens your jaw bone and the tissues that hold everything in place. Long-time smokers often have deteriorated jaw bones, leading to a sunken appearance and tooth loss. Smokeless tobacco users may experience tissue damage where they place the product, increasing the risk of permanent oral health issues.

Quit Tobacco, Save Your Smile

Quitting is the best way to protect your teeth and gums from the harmful effects of tobacco. Within weeks of stopping, your body will begin repairing itself. Your gums will receive better blood flow, your teeth will be less prone to decay, and your mouth will start recovering from dryness and bacteria buildup. You’ll also enjoy fresher breath and lower your risk of oral cancer.

However, some damage can’t reverse itself. Visit your dentist for treatments that address the effects of tobacco use, including:

• Professional cleaning: A thorough dental cleaning removes stains and tartar buildup.
• Gum disease treatment: If you have gum disease, you may need ongoing root planing and scaling treatments to keep advanced periodontitis at bay.
• Oral cancer screening: Regular check-ups are essential to spot early signs of oral cancer.
• Restorative procedures: Depending on the damage, you may need fillings, crowns, or implants to restore your smile.

Choose Park 56 Dental

Your smile deserves the best care, no matter what challenges it has faced. Park 56 Dental provides individualized treatment in a relaxing, spa-like environment that makes every visit stress-free. Voted the top dentist in New York, we offer services ranging from general and cosmetic dentistry to advanced specialties like prosthodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery. Whether you’ve quit tobacco yet or not, prioritize your smile by scheduling an appointment at Park 56 Dental in NYC.