Studies have shown that smokers have twice the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers. When your body’s immune system becomes compromised due to smoking, fighting off gum infection becomes much more difficult. This can lead to gum recession and even disease. Smoking also diminishes the effectiveness of gum treatments, making it less likely for damaged gums to heal properly. In more advanced stages, gum disease also weakens the structures holding your teeth in place, leading to an altered bite and even tooth loss.
In addition to throat and lung cancer, smoking also causes oral cancer, symptoms of which include mouth/lip sores that don’t heal, red/white patches, growths, constant pain, etc. Often requiring radiation therapy and surgery to remove any affected tissue, oral cancer can severely change the entire structure of your face, from the way it looks to your ability to chew, speak, etc. Your quality of life can be severely diminished.
What can you do?
We know it’s easier said than done, but quitting smoking is absolutely vital if you want to maintain your oral (and overall) health. If you can’t quite beat the habit just yet, you should make an effort to maintain an otherwise healthy lifestyle (balanced diet + regular exercise), never forget to brush/floss, and maintain your dental appointments.Â
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