Smoking and Dental Care

How Smoking Compromises Dental Health

If you are a smoker, your dental care needs are considerably more demanding than those of a non-smoker. In fact, cigarette smoking is a leading cause of tooth loss. Smoking also increases your risk for:

• Periodontal disease (gum disease),
• Loss of bone structure,
• Inflammation of the salivary gland,
• Leukoplakia (precancerous condition),
• Development of lung, throat, or oral cancer.

In addition to the critical risks mentioned above, other factors for smokers to consider include:

• A consistent buildup of plaque and tartar,
• Stained teeth,
• Bad breath,
• Loss of taste and smell.

Furthermore, smoking is associated with a slower healing process following dental work and a lower success rate for procedures such as dental implants. In fact, smokers may not even be candidates for implants.