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What Happens to a Smoker’s Teeth: Finding Out the Dentist
We figure out why an unpleasant odor appears in the mouth and whether it is possible to return the whiteness to a smile.
Everyone knows that smoking is harmful. Substances that enter our body during smoking have a negative effect on it. But “negative impact” is an abstract expression. Let’s try to figure out specifically what is happening, in particular, with the teeth of a smoker. Vyacheslav Minko, a dentist-surgeon, orthopedist and head physician of the DR Minko Dental Clinic, helped with this Wday.
1. Plaque formation
The most obvious thing is that plaque forms on the teeth from smoking, which cannot be eliminated by regular brushing at home – the enamel turns yellow or brown. Often this plaque covers the teeth unevenly, with spots. It can only be removed in the dental office using cleaning and whitening procedures.
2. Expansion of the vessels of the oral cavity
Plaque is a purely aesthetic problem, although for many it really does cause a lot of inconvenience. Smoking causes much more serious harm to the vessels of the oral cavity. Frequent exposure to hot smoke causes vasodilation. And this, in turn, can lead to gingivitis, that is, to inflammation of the gums.
Resins, which are deposited in the oral cavity, also lead to improper blood supply. The consequence of this can be a weakening of bone tissue, loosening, and ultimately loss of teeth. The process always begins imperceptibly, while many are in no hurry to see a doctor, even if there are problems. While delay in such a situation is dangerous.
Unpleasant odor
Smoking also disrupts the bacterial flora in the mouth – this is what causes an unpleasant odor that defies any toothpaste or freshener. Only oral cavity treatment and giving up the bad habit will help to get rid of it.
Bleeding gums
Due to the impaired blood circulation process, other important functions of the body are also disrupted. For example, the ability to regenerate. This means that the gums become loose, bleed and heal poorly. Erosion may appear on the mucous membrane, which will also take a long time to heal. If you are treating the gums or have undergone a tooth extraction, then with constant smoking, the recovery process is delayed.
In many ways, the body’s response to smoking is individual. There are people who smoke a lot, but do not complain about their health, and their teeth are in relative order. And there are those who rather quickly begin to feel the consequences of this addiction. In any case, you need to find the strength to quit smoking and consult a dentist. Ask your doctor to assess the situation and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. He will most likely recommend a specific toothpaste and brush, as well as aesthetic treatments.