What You Should Know About Cigarettes and Your Teeth

You probably know that smoking can have a negative impact on your overall health, but did you know that tobacco use can also have an impact on your oral health? Sadly, issues resulting from tobacco use can actually be quite severe.

As you may already know, if you smoke your teeth could become yellow. Individuals who smoke also have to cope with bad breath. While cleaning your teeth well is usually enough to prevent bad breath in nonsmokers, it won’t be enough to reverse bad breath caused from smoking. Smoking can also cause a condition known as dry mouth, which can make bad breath worse and leave your teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Smoking also leads to periodontal disease, which is also referred to as gum disease. While everyone is at risk for this issue, individuals who smoke are much more prone to it. You see, tobacco can cause your gums to separate from the underlying bone, leaving you more vulnerable to infections.

The most severe issue that can come as a result of smoking is oral cancer. This form of cancer can appear anywhere in your mouth—including on your lips or throat. Men are typically more likely to have oral cancer, but it is becoming more and more common in adults. Smoking and other tobacco use leave you more likely to develop oral cancer.

If you’re interested in learning more about the dangers of smoking, please don’t hesitate to contact Tammy Perison, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dental Care at 716-674-5256. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and examine your smile for signs of damage. Our dentist, Dr. Tammy Perison and our team are excited to hear from you soon.