Gum and Teeth Problems caused by Smoking
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is found to be prevalent among tobacco smokers because chemical from tobacco increase the rate of tartar buildup in the mouth. The latest studies have concluded that cigarette smoking is most certainly linked to an increased rate in dental caries. Smokers have a considerably greater number of repaired tooth surfaces than nonsmokers while the heavy or chain smokers are more affected. Researchers also observed that smokers, as a group, have bad oral hygiene habits, make lesser visits to the dentist, and have lower overall oral health standards than non-smokers.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis or what is commonly known as inflamed gums, is caused by bacterial build up called plaque. Tobacco smokers are more likely to demonstrate gingival redness, bleeding and gum swelling than nonsmokers with the same oral hygiene practice. There are also signs of gingival recession that includes bone destruction although, is seldom associated with the inflammatory changes. Gum recession may result from a combination of factors, like abrasion caused by lacked of proper brushing and flossing and the local tobacco-induced release of protein-destroying enzymes.
Smokers have been tested to have more calculus than nonsmokers due to the fact that the nicotine in tobacco dumps more tartar in the teeth and mouth. Nicotine is famous for vasoconstriction effects that have been shown to be strong in periodontal tissues, even in the phases of elevated blood pressures. Gingival circulation has been shown to decrease by as much as 70% during the smoking of a cigarette.
Periodontitis
The chances of having periodontitis of a smoker compared to non-smokers are higher because of the chemicals contained in tobacco. A research and study performed including different age brackets, gender, and socioeconomic levels for different oral hygiene habits showed that smokers still have deeper pockets, more bone loss and tooth mobility and greater tooth loss than nonsmokers. Chemicals in tobacco are proven to be what causes inflamed gums.
Even smokeless tobacco users are also prone to a localized periodontitis or gum recession resulting from the combination of nicotine's chemical effects and the effects of physical abrasion on gum tissues. This connection between smokeless tobacco use and gum recession is very well associated with both the quantity of daily use and the duration of the smokeless tobacco habit.
Nonetheless, even proper dental care like brushing, flossing and gargling mouthwash helps alleviate the chances of having gum and teeth problems for smokers. Regular visits to the dentist for check up and oral prophylaxis also keeps the teeth free from plaque and tartar buildup.