We all know that smoking is bad for our health. Even so, most individuals who smoke don’t understand that cigarette smoking is a huge contributor to not only health issues but dental problems too. We can’t always put blame on cigarettes for this. Are you aware that all forms of tobacco such as cigars, smokeless tobacco, and hookah water pipes cause dental health problems.

Medical studies confirm that smoking causes stroke, heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer and throat cancer. Apart from those health complications brought up above smoking and tobacco use can also cause the following health issues:

* Tooth staining that cannot be removed by frequent brushing of teeth.

* Smelly breath or halitosis

* Mouth sores

* Moving teeth

* Increased tartar and plaque build up on teeth which will need frequent dental cleanings.

* Increased risk for developing oral cancer which is an accelerating disease which can be fatal and if not determined and remedied early.

* Increased risk for gum disease which is the major cause of loss of teeth in adults.

* Using tobacco can impede the healing process following tooth extraction or any other oral surgery methods.

* Can ruin the gum tissue and cause receding gums, therefore leaving the roots of the teeth uncovered. This can raise the risk for tooth decay and result in teeth sensitivity to hot and cold.

* Amplified bone loss within the jaw

* Greater risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth

* Decreased success rate of dental implant methods.

* Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth

And so how does smoking lead to gum disease?

Tobacco use and smoking cigarettes can cause gum disease by wrecking the attachment of the bone and soft tissue of your teeth. More particularly, smoking cigarettes is found to meddle with the normal function of the gum tissue to your teeth. It is due to this interference that those that smoke are vulnerable to microbe infections such as periodontal disease. Smoking cigarettes also affects the flow of blood to the gums which seems to impact wound healing.

Planning on quitting smoking?

Quitting smoking will certainly enjoy lots of long term health benefits. In the event that you plan to quit now however don’t know how, you can speak to your physician or Richmond dentist for some advice on how to quit smoking. For more advice on how to quit smoking and correct oral hygiene, Richmond dentists provide some very useful information right here at martinsmiles.com.

Lyn Pressley is a richmond dentist. She agrees that richmond dentists provide very helpful dental and oral health tips. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.