Smoking Risks

It is common knowledge that smoking is bad for your health and is linked to things like including lung disease, cancer and heart disease. What is not such common knowledge is that smokers have an increased risk of periodontal disease.

Research conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology showed that smoking and tobacco use posed “one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease”. They also noted that the chemicals in tobacco products would slow down the healing process following periodontal treatment or any other oral surgery.

Problems for smokers

Smokers are more likely have dental calculus forming on their teeth. Once plaque becomes dental calculus, it can only be removed with professional cleaning. If it is not removed, bacteria will start to destroy the gum and the gum will pull away from the teeth forming periodontal pockets. Periodontal pockets soon fill up with all sorts of debris and become a haven for bacteria.

As the bacteria grow, the periodontal pockets become deeper, exacerbating the problem. The result is the loss of supporting bone and tissue and the eventual loss of teeth. The same research showed that tobacco users lose more teeth than non-tobacco users.

The study showed the problem was not limited to cigarette smokers. Cigar and pipe smokers experienced tooth loss at a similar rate.

If you are a smoker, you have a greater susceptibility to periodontal disease than any other group. Is the pain worth it? Quit smoking and help bring back your smile.