Everyone knows about the ill-effects of smoking on humans’ health. It is the cause of varieties of health issues such as lung cancer and emphysema. Cigarettes affect teeth and overall oral health beyond stinking breaths. Before one gets scolded by a dentist, effects of smoking on dental health as mentioned in Cliff’s note must be read.
Smoking is portrayed glamorously in movies against the reality. Mobsters and femme fatales are always shown with cigarettes in their hands. The studious ones are shown otherwise. Rather, a cigarette is shown as if it nourishes actors or is a very intelligent and smart choice of theirs. In reality, smoking can hardly be seen as glamorous. Discoloured teeth would mar people’s smile than make it glamorous. Stink in breath can hardly be glamorous for any one. However, these are only few and initial effects of cigarettes. If these are scary, the deeper and more severe ones are horrible.
Tartar and plaque form on the teeth of smokers far more quickly than on the teeth of non-smokers. It does not end here. Quick formation of tartar and plaque increases generation of cavity. The effects are so severe on smokers that even regular brushing or fastidious flossing may not remain effective. While these are the eternal damages, there are internal and physiological damages too. For instance, the attachment of soft tissue with bones or teeth is changed due to the effect of smoking. No dentist likes smokers. However, that does not mean he would not treat smokers. In addition to these, function of cells of tissues of gums is changed due smoking. As a result of this, those cells die more often than usual. Flow of blood to gums is, thus, prevented, which leaves gums prone to infections. Besides, bones that secure teeth to gums get eroded due to smoking. Periodontal issues, as result of smoking, cause the loss of set of otherwise perfect teeth.
People who undergo tooth extraction, periodontal therapy or other dental treatment may face prolongation of time required to heal. Significant elongation of healing time means suffer for longer than necessary. Dental implantations do not work as intended due to smoking. Risk of various kinds of cancer elevates for those who smoke.
One thing is to be made certain that substitution is not the solution to these issues. Switch to smoking cigars, pipes, chewable tobacco, etc. are not considered dental health conscious steps by any dentist in the world.
