Many studies have proven the ill-effects of smoking on your overall health. Smoking increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke and is also a leading cause of lung and oral cancer. Smoking during pregnancy can cause premature babies and birth defects, says Dr Divya Verma, Management Lead – Brand & Marketing, Clove Dental.

Every year, smoking causes nearly seven million preventable deaths across the world. However despite efforts being made to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking, this number is expected to rise sharply in the next decade.

World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows that about 80 per cent of over one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, “where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest”.

Tobacco use also has serious economic implications as tobacco users dying prematurely in these countries deprive their families of income and raise the cost of healthcare. Studies have shown that around a quarter of young people may smoke by age 13-15.

With tobacco use emerging as one of the biggest public health concerns around the world, it is important that people be made aware of health issues associated with smoking.

Many studies have proven the ill-effects of smoking on your overall health. Smoking increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke and is also a leading cause of lung and oral cancer. Smoking during pregnancy can cause premature babies and birth defects.

But did you know that smoking has ill-effects on your teeth, gums, jawbone and mouth tissues as well. Clinical Studies suggest that smokers have a higher than average risk of periodontal disease and poor oral health status says Dr David Locker, BDS, PhD.

Here’s how smoking impacts your oral health

Tooth Stains– Smoking causes tooth stains and overall discoloration. Teeth whitening, regular scaling and polishing and veneers can remove or reduce the stains.

Bad Breath– Smoking is one of the main causes for bad breath. Not only does smoking cause “dry mouth” but tar and nicotine settles in the oral cavity leading to a condition known as “smoker’s breath”. Smoking can also deteriorate sense of taste and smell.

Tooth Decay– Smoking increases the amount of dental plaque in the mouth. The more dental plaque increases, the harder it is to remove. This eventually leads to dental tartar and tooth decay.

Gum DiseasesSmoking and tobacco interfere with the normal function of gum tissue cells and this makes smokers more susceptible to conditions like periodontitis which is a common gum disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection which damages the soft tissues and bone that anchor teeth to jaw bones. In early stages of the disease, people might experience bleeding from gums while brushing and flossing. As the infection worsens, the gums begin to break down and form pockets. If not treated on time, these pockets further deepen and make teeth loose and painful. Smokers are more likely to get advanced periodontal disease than non smokers. Smoking also impairs blood flow to the gums which further interferes with the healing of the wound.

Tooth Loss– Advanced periodontal disease eventually leads to bone deterioration and tooth loss.

Failure of Dental Implants– Dental Implants are ideal solution for missing teeth. The failure rate for implants in a smoker is more than double as compared to a non-smoker. Poor vascularity in mouth causes other host of diseases because of which the person is a poor prognosis case for all gum surgeries, bone grafting or even Implants.

Oral Cancer– Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco etc are the biggest risk factors for the cancer of the oral cavity. 90% of oral cancer patients are smokers. Quitting will help in reducing the risk of cancer from tobacco.

Signs and Symptoms Indian Cancer Society states that oral cancer commonly starts as one of the following-

  1. An ulcer or wound in the mouth or on the tongue that does not go away.
  2. A swelling over the cheek and gum (which may be painful or painless).
  3. Difficulty opening the mouth completely and swelling in the neck.
  4. Persistent sore throat.
  5. Difficulty in swallowing or moving the tongue.
  6. Sudden loosening of teeth or pain in the jaw.

Smokers are bound to have dental problems and the more one smokes, the worse they will get. It’s highly unfortunate that smokers are very careless with their oral health. But even if one practices excellent hygiene, the chances of preventing the oral problems associated with smoking won’t greatly improve.Tobacco products contain gritty materials which are like sandpaper against healthy teeth and they cause immense damage to the enamel which doesn’t grow back.

The nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive and it is very difficult for smokers to stay away from their cigarette packs. Itll not be very hard if youre determined. This World No Tobacco Day, TAKE A PLEDGE AND QUIT SMOKING. It not only effects you but your entire family. Its important to have good oral hygiene and you should start by seeing your dentist to uate your dental health and get an oral cancer screening done!

You Can Do It!

 

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.

Tags: Smoking WHO

Related Health Day


whatsapp--v1