Smoking and Oral Health

Did you know that approximately 500,000 people in the ASEAN region are affected by tobacco consumption annually? As we approach an era of newer technology and innovation, yet tobacco use still remains one of the world’s leading preventable causes of premature death. Do you know what are the smoking and oral health damaging consequences? While many are mindful of the adverse effects smoking can have on the general health, most are unaware of the smoking and oral health damaging consequences.

Smoking and oral health damaging consequences are:

1. Gum diseases

Cigarette smoking exerts a major effect on the protective elements within the oral cavity. For instance, it reduces the blood flow leading to a decrease in the oxygen level in the bloodstream, weakens the immune system and increases a person’s risk to infection. This can result in an increase in the extent and severity of gum diseases compared to non-smokers and may eventually lead to tooth loss due to destruction of the supporting structures.

2. Stained teeth

Another side effect of smoking on the oral health is teeth staining. This is caused by the nicotine and tar content in cigarettes. Teeth will usually be stained with yellow discolouration or even brown in colour in heavy or long-term smokers.

3. Bad breath

Bad breath in smokers is a common finding. This is largely due to the tobacco content in cigarettes leaving smelly residue in the mouth on top of a reduction in salivary flow. Besides, tobacco can also have an effect on the bacteria in the mouth particularly sulphur-producing bacteria which can also lead to bad breath.

4. Delayed healing following dental extractions and other oral surgeries

Harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can interfere with the body’s natural wound healing process especially after certain procedures such as dental extractions and invasive oral surgeries. As mentioned previously smoking causes reduced blood oxygen level which in turn decreases the capacity for wound repair and increases the risk for post-surgical infection.

5. Increased risk of oral cancer

Approximately 9 out of 10 people with oral cancer have used tobacco. Thus, it has been shown that the risk of developing oral cancer significantly increases with the duration and amount of tobacco smoked. People who smoke are six times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to non-smokers. A common early sign of oral cancer includes a non-healing ulcer or anything that appears to be suspicious.

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

• Improves general and oral health
• Reduces risk of fatal diseases
• Prevents teeth discolouration and bad breath
• Financial savings
• Reduces risk of others caused by passive smoking

How can my dentist help me?

Firstly, your dentist will carry out regular examination to make sure your gums and teeth are healthy. They will also examine areas such as the cheeks, tongue and floor of the mouth to look out for any suspicious signs. Regular professional cleaning of the teeth is essential to maintain a good oral health status especially the gum health. Besides that, the dentist can also provide some cessation tips and advice to help you with quitting the habit. They are able to refer you to organisations which are more focused on providing smoking cessation practices.

Key things to remember:

• Smokers have higher risk of developing oral cancer, gum problems and complications after oral surgeries.
• Regular oral cancer checks and oral examinations are important to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Quitting smoking will significantly improve your oral and general health.

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References:

1. Smoking may kill 500,000 in Asean. [Internet] [cited 2018 Nov 15] Available from:

https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/09/411767/smoking-may-kill-500000-asean

2. The effect that smoking has on your oral health. [Article] [cited 2018 Nov 15] Available from:

https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/The-effect-that-smoking-has-on-your-oral-health-Rvw-Feb-2020.pdf

3. Smoking and oral health. [Internet] [cited 2018 Nov 15] Available from:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/smoking-and-oral-health

Tags

• Oral Health
• smoking
• teeth