Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss

Most people who smoke are aware that the habit really isn’t good for their overall health and wellbeing. However, far fewer realize that every time they smoke a cigarette, they are also putting their oral health and the longevity of their smile at considerable risk. This is because studies have shown an irrefutable link between smoking and gum disease.  

What is gum disease and why is it important to take steps to prevent it?

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting Americans today. It occurs when the bacteria that are present in plaque on your teeth begin to get under the gum tissue. When this happens, it causes irritation, and the gums may become red, swollen, and bleed when they are brushed. This is the earliest stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. 

However, if the plaque is not removed and the gum disease is left untreated, the condition can become much more serious. The bacteria multiplying in the gums can cause painful infections to develop, and the patient may suffer from abscesses that make eating and drinking difficult. The gum tissue may start to recede away from the teeth, creating an uneven gum line and potentially exposing the tooth root to bacteria and infection. 

In addition to the dental effects of gum disease, there may also be wider consequences for your health. Patients with gum disease have been shown to be more likely to suffer from medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. 

What is the link between smoking and gum disease?

There are several different links between smoking and gum disease. One of the most important is that smoking actually weakens your body’s ability to fight off infection, including infections that occur as a result of gum disease. This means that smokers are more likely to suffer from gum disease. 

Secondly, smoking can mask the signs of gum disease. This is because nicotine restricts the flow of oxygenated blood around the body, including to the gums. Red and bleeding gums are some of the earliest indicators of gum disease. However, smoker’s gums tend to take on a grayish hue from the nicotine and are unlikely to bleed if brushed. This could make the condition more difficult to spot, and means that it may progress to the point where it causes irreversible damage to the patient’s teeth before it is diagnosed. 

Finally, smoking has also been shown to slow down the rate at which the body can heal. Again, this is largely due to the fact that oxygenated blood flow is restricted, and cells need this blood in order to heal themselves. Not only will this problem affect any other wounds or illnesses you may have, but smoking may make it more difficult for your gums to heal. 

Why are smokers more at risk of tooth loss?

Tooth loss is a real risk for patients who experience severe gum disease. This is because the infection causes the gums to recede and the jaw bone to weaken. Since the gums and bone are what is keeping your tooth in place, if either or both are compromised, it is likely that the viability of your teeth will be affected. As such, tooth loss is a common occurrence in patients who smoke and have gum disease. 

If you are a smoker and you are concerned about gum disease or the health of your teeth, our periodontist would be happy to answer any questions you have or arrange for an oral assessment. Call Implant Dentistry, Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation today to learn more at 813-973-7770.