Understanding the harms of tobacco on health and smoker’s teeth
Cigarettes, a true cocktail of harmful substances
Whether you consume roll-your-own tobacco, cigarillos, or filtered cigarettes, smoking exposes your body to over 7,000 different chemicals, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful, affecting smokers’ teeth and their oral health. And among them, approximately 70 can cause cancer.
Nicotine
It is an alkaloid naturally present in the tobacco plant. It is the primary psychoactive compound in tobacco, responsible for smokers’ dependence. Among other effects, this substance stimulates the central nervous system, accelerates heart rate, and increases blood pressure. It also promotes the risk of blood clot formation and contributes to the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis).
Tars
Tars are produced during tobacco combustion. When inhaled, they contribute to the obstruction and inflammation of the lungs, thus facilitating the onset of chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or emphysema. Furthermore, they contain carcinogenic substances that promote the development of lung, throat, and mouth cancers.
Carbon monoxide
Produced during tobacco combustion, carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that binds to hemoglobin in the blood more efficiently than oxygen. By taking its place, it thus reduces the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to organs and tissues. This can lead to cardiovascular problems, shortness of breath, and decreased physical performance.
Heavy metals and other toxic chemicals
A cigarette contains a wide variety of substances that the human body is not meant to ingest:
- lead
- arsenic
- cadmium
- ammonia
- benzene
- formaldehyde
- acrolein
- etc.
These toxic substances accumulate in tissues and can cause a wide range of serious health problems. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can cause damage to almost all organs of the body, with an increased risk of heart or respiratory diseases and various cancers.
The links between smoking and oral health
Directly exposing the smoker’s teeth, gums, and tongue to smoke containing numerous dangerous substances, smoking has a negative impact on oral health. Simply put, all aspects of oral health are affected. Smoking not only affects the appearance of your smile and your breath, but also promotes the development of potentially serious diseases within the oral cavity, including cancers. And some of these pathologies can themselves evolve into problems that impact your general health.
The effects of cigarettes on smoker's gums and teeth
The effects of tobacco on gums
The toxic compounds to which smoking exposes the mouth interfere with the proper functioning of gingival cells. By compromising cell renewal, it impairs gum health and increases the risk of oral infections. In fact, it is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of periodontal diseases, an infection of the tissues that support the teeth, which can extend to the bone.
People who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to suffer from:
- gingivitis (gum inflammation) with or without bleeding;
- periodontitis (deterioration of tissues and bones supporting the teeth);
- gum recession (recession of gingival and bone tissues covering the dental roots) potentially leading to tooth loss.
Furthermore, in smokers, blood circulation in gingival tissues is less efficient, which reduces their ability to heal after an injury or surgical procedure (tooth extraction, abscess drainage, bone grafting, dental implant placement, etc.). Consequently, dental treatments more often result in failure in smokers than in non-smokers.
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The effects of tobacco on smoker's teeth
Smoker's yellow teeth
Due to the tar and nicotine they regularly inhale, people who smoke often have yellow teeth and dental stains. Although nicotine is colorless at its base, it yellows when it comes into contact with oxygen. For its part, tar is naturally dark and easily accumulates on tooth enamel, causing stubborn yellow to brown stains. Thus, a smoker’s smile is often not their most appealing feature.
Increased risk of cavities
Cigarette smoke disrupts the balance of oral flora. It depletes the natural oral microbiota and promotes the growth of pathogenic bacteria that contribute to cavity formation. Furthermore, smoking dries out the mouth by reducing saliva production. The oral cavity therefore does not benefit from as effective cleaning as it should, nor from the natural protection against cavities that saliva provides.
Tooth loss and smoking
By promoting periodontal diseases, smoking leads to gum recession. This means that the smoker’s gums gradually recede and the bone tissue supporting the teeth diminishes. The teeth then become more mobile and may eventually fall out if no action is taken. While this problem certainly harms the aesthetics of the smile, it primarily prevents proper chewing and hinders the pronunciation of certain syllables.
The repercussions of oral health problems related to smoking
Oral cancer
Smoking is a major risk factor in the development of oral cancer. Smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop oral cancers. They alone account for 75% of oral cancer cases. Indeed, the chemical substances present in tobacco smoke damage the DNA of oral cells. They thus increase the risk of mutation and the development of cancerous cells.
Symptoms that may suggest this type of cancer include:
- mouth sores that do not heal;
- white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks;
- pain or a feeling of blockage in the throat;
- difficulty chewing or swallowing;
- a change in voice.
Halitosis (bad breath)
Smoking can cause various infections, including cavities or gingivitis, one of the effects of which can be bad breath. This phenomenon is accentuated by the fact that the natural oral cleansing performed by saliva secretion is less effective in people who smoke, as their salivary production is lower.
Decreased sense of taste
Smoking negatively affects taste and olfactory receptors. It thus reduces the ability to taste and smell food. The increased pleasure of eating is also among the first benefits obtained at the beginning of smoking cessation.
Dental problems that can affect heart health
Untreated dental problems, particularly periodontal diseases, can impact heart health. Bacteria from the mouth can infiltrate the bloodstream and directly affect the heart muscle, causing pericarditis. Furthermore, chronic inflammation of oral tissues can promote systemic inflammation, a known risk factor for heart disease.
Combating the harms of tobacco on oral health
Your dentist is your ally!
Prioritize enhanced oral hygiene
Although important for everyone, oral hygiene is a crucial concern for tobacco users. If you do not intend to quit smoking, this is the only way to delay the onset of problems. Ideally, ensure you:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for a minimum of two minutes, to remove dental plaque and reduce the risk of cavities and periodontal diseases.
- Daily use of dental floss or interdental brushes to remove food particles and plaque where the brush cannot reach, as well as to disrupt pockets where bacteria thrive within the gums.
- Use a mouthwash that meets your needs to prevent bacterial proliferation and combat bad breath.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months, or as soon as its wear indicator suggests, to maintain brushing effectiveness.
Quitting smoking, the best solution to preserve smoker's teeth
Smoking cessation has immediate benefits for oral health. Quitting smoking instantly, or almost instantly, improves breath and the perception of taste and smell. In the medium term, it drastically reduces the risk of periodontal diseases, oral cancer, and leads to better healing of oral tissues. It helps improve blood circulation in the gums, decrease the likelihood of tooth loss, and promote the success of dental treatments. It can even be essential for the success of implant placement.
Methods to quit smoking
Smoking cessation in general
Quitting smoking is a challenge for many people. With the right methods and adequate support, it is possible to overcome nicotine dependence. Several techniques can be used to quit smoking:
- Nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers): they provide a measured dose of nicotine without exposing you to other harmful substances in tobacco smoke. However, their use must be time-limited.
- Prescription medications (varenicline, bupropion): prescribed by a general practitioner or a tobacco specialist, they can reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential if you take them.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): it helps find personalized strategies to manage smoking urges and change habits related to smoking.
- Support groups: perfect for discussing the difficulties and successes of cessation, support groups are led by experienced professionals.
- Online applications and resources: they can offer you daily support and advice to manage stress 24/7, wherever you are.
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In just one session of approximately one hour, without pain, without medication, without side effects, and without weight gain, laserOstop® helps you put smoking behind you. The laser promotes the release of endorphins, these natural well-being hormones, thus reducing cravings, stress, and snacking.
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Join those who have said STOP to cigarettes now, thanks to laserOstop® Luxembourg. Book your appointment today at the nearest centre in Luxembourg and free yourself from tobacco, once and for all.
