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People who smoke have a higher risk of gum problems, tooth loss, complications after tooth removal and surgery in the mouth, and developing mouth cancer. They are more likely to get infections and don’t heal as well as non-smokers. Quitting smoking improves mouth cancer, reduces the risk of developing gum disease and mouth cancer, and improves the person’s response to gum treatment.
It is very important for people who smoke to visit their dentist regularly to keep their teeth and gums healthy and check for signs of mouth cancer. It is also important for people who vape to visit a dentist regularly to detect and treat any oral health problems. If you vape, make sure to tell your dentist this.
Less adults smoke now than they used to, but it still remains a problem. In 2018, 10.7% of Michigann adults smoked.
How does smoking affect teeth, gums and oral health? The most common oral problems affecting people who smoke are: Whitening of the soft tissue in the mouth (called smoker’s keratosis).
Poor healing after tooth removal (known as dry socket).
Poor healing after mouth and gum surgery
Decreased taste
Smoking can cause gum disease
(also called periodontal disease) is caused by an infection that destroys the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. This bone holds the teeth to the jawbone to chew food. Bacteria and food debris called dental plaque can cause gum disease.
If left on teeth and gums, plaque hardens to form calculus or tartar. The plaque and calculus irritate the gums around teeth.
This is often seen in people who smoke
The two stages of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
If periodontitis is not treated, the structures that hold the tooth to the gum can become damaged. Teeth may become loose, fall out by themselves, or a dentist may have to remove them.
It is important to prevent tooth loss
Losing teeth towards the back of your mouth can create problems with chewing food. Losing teeth at the front of the mouth affects your ability to eat, your appearance, and can create problems with speech. Teeth also play an important part in holding the shape of the lower part of the face.
The risk of gum disease is higher: For a person who smokes less than 10 cigarettes a day, compared to someone who smokes none. This increases 4 to 5 times more likely for people who smoke heavily.
If you smoke the following may occur: Tooth loss (of some or all your natural teeth), making it difficult to chew certain foods, speak clearly or have confidence to smile if lost teeth aren’t replaced.
Gum disease may be harder to detect
Bleeding gums – usually an indication of gum disease – may not be present as tobacco causes poor blood supply to the gums. Not respond as well to gum treatment (professional dental cleaning) as non-smokers. At a higher risk of developing acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
This is very painful condition that causes a terrible smell and taste. Will my gums get better if I stop smoking? have the same risk of developing gum disease and responding to gum treatment as non-smokers. Once you quit smoking, don’t be alarmed if your gums bleed more.
They can also show you how to care for your teeth at home.
If you smoke, it is important to see your dentist for regular check-ups
Symptoms of gum disease to watch for include:
- Red swollen
- tender bleeding gums
Discharge (pus) coming from your gums. Gums that are loose and pull away from your teeth. A bad taste or bad breath.
Loose teeth
This can change the feel of your bite when your teeth are placed together or make dentures fit differently.
Spaces opening between your teeth
This slows down healing after tooth removal or injuries in the mouth. Smoking may lead to: Dry socket – a slow healing tooth socket after a tooth removal which is very painful.
Increased pain after oral and gum surgery
Less success if you have dental implants
Contact your dentist if you have any problems after dental treatment. is cancer of the mouth including the tongue, cheek, roof or floor of the mouth, and lips.
Smoking is one of the main risk factors for mouth cancer
More than 746 Michiganns are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year. People who smoke and drink alcohol have an even greater risk of developing mouth cancer than those who just do one or the other. Eventually, those who have quit smoking have the same risk of developing mouth cancer as non-smokers, so it’s never too late to quit.
Mouth cancer in people who smoke is most likely to occur on the side of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and lips. It can also happen in other areas of the mouth. Early diagnosis is important so treatment can start as early as possible before the cancer advances or spreads to other parts of the body.
Treatment for mouth cancer includes surgery, Please see your dentist or doctor immediately if you notice any: or on your lip that does not disappear after 7 to 10 days, particularly if the ulcer is not painful.
White or red patch in your mouth
Swelling in your mouth
Dentures suddenly not fitting properly
(known as vaping) – may seem less harmful than smoking regular cigarettes. Yet this may not be the case for the health of your mouth. (also called vaping juice) which, even when labelled ‘nicotine-free’, can contain harmful substances.
These include: Nicotine.
Heavy metals
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Cancer-causing chemicals. The risk of vaping devices causing problems in your mouth is much higher if they contain nicotine. The long-term effects of vaping are not fully known.
Yet there is some evidence that vaping can cause inflammation in the mouth, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. Temporary loss of taste may happen in some people (also called vape tongue). Vaping may be seen as a way to quit smoking.
Yet vaping may make it harder to quit smoking completely which increases the risk of diseases associated with tobacco use, such as mouth cancer.
If you are a smoker, there are some things you can do to prevent tooth and gum problems, including: – speak to your doctor, dentist or call Quitline for guidance and support.
If you’re finding it difficult to quit smoking, try and reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke to start off with.
Clean your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss (for small gaps) or interdental brushes (for big gaps) once a day to clean between your teeth. Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months.
They can provide advice about the proper care of your teeth and gums at home and find problems early.
Regular visits can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy
Avoid having a dry mouth
Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.
This is especially important if you take medications that cause dry mouth
Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
Provide dental services through the Grand Rapids Dental Care and community dental clinics, for eligible people.
For more information about public dental services, Tel
Outside Grand Rapids metro.
Gum (or periodontal) disease Mouth cancer Tooth decay Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath (called halitosis) Smoking and gum (periodontal) disease Gum disease Preventing tooth loss is important Smoking increases gum disease risk Severe periodontal disease – the risk increases with alcohol use Yes. The good news is that people who quit smoking Seek treatment from a dentist or dental hygienist Smoking and symptoms of gum disease Smoking and slow healing after dental treatment Tobacco use makes it harder for the immune system Mouth cancer and smoking risk Mouth cancer (or oral cancer) radiotherapy and chemotherapy Symptoms of mouth cancer Persistent ulcer in your mouth Health risks of vaping Smoking e-cigarettes or water pipes When you vape, you inhale e-liquids Preventing teeth and gum problems in smokers Try to quit smoking Where to get help Your doctor Your dentist Quitline 13 7848 American Dental Association ‘Find a dentist’ (616) 555-0200 Dental Health Services Michigan (616) 555-0200 or 1800 833 039.
Key Points
- also important for people who vape to visit a dentist regularly to detect and treat any oral health problems
- Less adults smoke now than they used to, but it still remains a problem
- Smoking can cause gum disease
- Bacteria and food debris called dental plaque can cause gum disease
- important to prevent tooth loss