If you smoke, you surely know that you shouldn’t. The evidence has been clear for decades that tobacco use is devastating for your health and well-being. We also understand that quitting is hard — which is the likely reason you haven’t already done so.

At Smile Design Dental, it’s our job to help you take care of your oral health. And that includes discussing the impact of your daily habits on your teeth, gums, and mouth. We also understand that it’s not easy to give up smoking — and we are happy to point you to resources to help. If you do smoke, it’s especially important that you visit us twice a year for a checkup and cleaning, as tobacco is damaging to your teeth and gums. You may request an appointment with our online form or call our Newburgh office at 845-670-5423.

Tobacco Discolors Your Teeth

If you are a regular smoker, you may have noticed that your teeth have started turning an unattractive shade of yellow or even brown, depending on your particular teeth and how long you’ve smoked. This is due to nicotine and tar leaching into your teeth. These stains may be deep, stubborn, and difficult to remove. At Smile Design Dental, we offer strong professional teeth whitening solutions that may help, as well as dental veneers.

Tobacco Makes Your Breath Smell Bad

Smoking is a smelly habit. The smell of the smoke and tobacco infiltrates your clothing, hair, home, and stays on your breath long after you’ve extinguished your cigarette. Plus, smokers tend to have more bacteria in their mouths—a leading cause of halitosis.

Tobacco Increases Your Likelihood of Developing Gum Disease

As a tobacco user, you are far more likely to develop severe gum disease (periodontitis) than a non-smoker. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can lead to gum recession and tooth loss, and is associated with systemic disease as well. Smokers tend to have more bacteria-laden plaque and tartar on their teeth—perhaps because of decreased saliva flow. They also have compromised immune systems, making their disease more difficult to treat and more likely to increase in severity, leading to tooth loss and other consequences.

Tobacco Can Cause Oral Cancer

When most people think of smoking and cancer, they think of lung cancer. But tobacco users are ten times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. Even chewing tobacco can lead to cancers of the lips, cheeks, and gums.

Tobacco Affects The Healing Process

As a smoker, you are more likely than other people to require surgical gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, and dental implants to replace missing teeth. But smoking compromises your immune system, and you may take longer to heal or your procedure may fail altogether.

If you use tobacco, the best way to protect your oral health (besides quitting) is to practice meticulous brushing and flossing at home and visit us at Smile Design Dental twice every year for a cleaning and exam. We will be able to spot problems in their earliest stages and start any necessary treatments. Dial our office at 845-670-5423 or fill out our online form.