Tobacco has a significant impact on oral health. Thus, cigarettes – the nicotine and tar they contain – are the first risk factor for the onset of gingivitis and its complication, periodontitis. Explanations with Edmond Binhas, dental surgeon.
Does smoking increase the risk of gingivitis?
Tobacco figure leading risk factors for developing gingivitis, this disease due to inflammation of the gums. “Concretely, tobacco damages the gums and especially the periodontium which is the supporting tissue of the tooth, the bone that holds it. Gingivitis is a gum inflammation and progressing quietly. But if it is not taken care of early enough, it leads to resorption of the tissues that support the tooth. That’s what we call periodontitis, loosening which, without treatment, leads to tooth loss“, explains Dr. Binhas, dental surgeon. While gingivitis is reversible when treated early enough, the periodontitis is irreversible without intervention. “Depending on the situation, treatment involves artificially recreating bone“, notes our expert.
Does smoking hurt your gums?
Gingivitis progresses quietly, it may be asymptomatic and therefore not cause any pain.
Why do your teeth hurt when you smoke?
Smoking is the cause of dental pain due to receding gums. “After a while, the loosening reveals the collar, this area located between the crown and the root of the tooth, and which is much more sensitive than the enamel. The tooth then becomes painful“, specifies Edmond Binhas.
Quitting smoking is the only really effective way to reduce the risks associated with smoking.
How does smoking damage teeth and gums?
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common tobacco-related pathologies. “Concretely, the tobacco creates a constriction of the vessels at the level of the gums. They are then much more sensitive to the attack of dental plaque. The gums being less irrigated, periodontal pockets are created by the melting of the tissues that support the tooth. then come insert dental plaque and bacteria at the origin of gingivitis then of periodontitis“, explains the dental surgeon. Smoking can be the cause of several other pathologies: bad breath, canker sores, black, hairy tongue… These are uncomfortable but nevertheless benign pathologies. Tobacco is also responsible for mouth cancer, a tumor may grow on the tongue, cheeks, palate, lips, or gums. Chronic smoking also has an impact on oral treatments. There healing is notably much longer and difficult in smokers than in non-smokers. “Chronic smoking can thus represent a contraindication to implant placement. Placing an implant on inflamed gums means taking the risk of rejection, so we only treat after weaning“. Thus, tobacco directly and indirectly impacts oral health and aesthetics.
Does smoking blacken gums and teeth?
According to our specialist, “smoking causes buildup of nicotine and tar deposit. It contributes to the unsightly brownish discoloration what the teeth take in smokers”. Nicotine and tar are therefore responsible for yellowing and then blackening of the teeth. Usually pink when healthy, very red gums can be the first sign of smoker’s gingivitis.
Does smoking cause gums to bleed?
Bleeding is sometimes one of the first symptoms of an infection gums. “However, it is quite possible to suffer from gingivitis without bleeding, even if the bleeding remains a sign of gingivitis.“, specifies our interlocutor.
Quitting smoking is the only really effective way against the risks associated with smoking. Otherwise, it is important to take good care of your teeth and mouth – effectively brush your teeth at least twice a day, make mouthwashes daily. You also have to be alert to the very first signs infection: red gums, bleeding, slight sensitivity due to loosening. “Finally, it is essential to visit your dentist regularly in order to treat infections as soon as possible, because the vast majority of smokers, if not all, will develop tobacco-related pathologies“, concludes Edmond Binhas.
Thanks to Edmond Binhas, dental surgeon, for his expertise.