Many studies have shown that smoking and using tobacco products has a detrimental effect on your teeth and gums. The problem is caused by the fact that tobacco affects the gum tissue cells, making smokers more prone to getting infections in the form of gum and periodontal diseases.(Which smokers are twice as likely to experience.)

Other negative effects of smoking include: bad breath, stained teeth, jawbone loss, shrinking gums, mouth sores, decreased senses of taste and smell, poor healing of mouth sores and hairy tongue. Smoking can also weaken the immune system, meaning it could take you longer to recover from any surgical dentistry you need. Tooth decay and even loss are also, unfortunately, more common.

In addition to this, most people don't know that smoking is the main cause of mouth cancer, with thousands of people dying every year from mouth cancer brought on by smoking. That’s because of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco products.

As dental professionals it is important for us to tell you the risks for smoking and to help you to quit by giving you information and support. By cutting down and stopping smoking or using tobacco products your oral health will benefit very quickly and you will notice changes in your certain mouth. It is essential that you come into the practice for regular check-ups so we can help you maintain good oral health and give you advice and encouragement while never passing judgement. What’s more, give up now and you’ll soon also be enjoying all the other many health benefits associated with stopping smoking.