If you are a smoker, you have most likely heard of the many dangers this habit can cause for your health. Did you know smoking can also cause problems with your oral health? Many people mistakenly believe only chewing tobacco causes oral health concerns. The truth is, you could be putting your teeth and gums in danger with each cigarette you smoke. This information, provided by the Family Dentist in Littleton, will help you to know the risks smoking places on your oral health, so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you will choose to continue smoking.
Though smoking will not cause your teeth to decay, it can cause periodontal disease. This disease begins as your gums become inflamed and then it progresses and causes bone loss. As the bone tissue is lessened, this eventually affects the roots of each of your teeth and can cause loosening and even tooth loss.
One of the biggest risks smoking causes is oral cancer. Many people think smokeless tobacco is the only culprit for this disease, but they are wrong. If you are diagnosed with oral cancer, the death rate is fairly high and is about fifty percent. Unfortunately, even with advances in cancer treatment, this number has not come down over the years. Your risk of getting oral cancer will depend on how long you have smoked and how often. Those who have smoked many years are more likely to develop the disease.
Aside from these health risks, smoking also causes your teeth to look unattractive. Smoking causes yellowing of the teeth and tongue that can be difficult to remove. The family dentist in Littleton area recommends patients work on stopping smoking and have regular check-ups at least twice a year. For smokers who have quit the habit, whitening treatments can be done on the teeth, to remove the tobacco stains.
If you are a smoker, it is important to protect the health of your teeth and gums. For more information on the importance of dental care, visit us website. They will provide you with the dental services you need, to keep your smile healthy.
