Smoking: Dental Problems & Your Oral Health

What if I am an active smoker?

If you are reading this, you are already making a difference in your oral health by being aware. Smoking involves complex interactions between the chemicals in tobacco smoke and the oral environment. This article should help you understand the impact that smoking has on your oral health.

How does smoking affect my teeth and oral cavity?

Smoking can have serious effects on your oral health, impacting your teeth and surrounding structures. Here's a breakdown of how smoking can affect your teeth:

1. Staining

The tar in cigarettes sticks to the teeth while nicotine contributes to discolouration. Over time, these can cause noticeable stains that impact the appearance and aesthetics of the smile.

2. Gum disease (periodontitis)

The chemicals in tobacco can disturb the immune system functions, reducing the body's ability to fight off infection. This worsens periodontitis, which involves inflammation and infection of the gums or dental supporting structures.

3. Tooth decay

When you smoke, the protective outer layer of teeth (enamel) weakens. Weakened enamel makes teeth more vulnerable to acids and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and decay. 

4. Reduced blood flow

Smoking constricts your blood vessels, reducing blood flow and preventing nutrients and oxygen from reaching the gums. This impairs the healing process and makes the gums more vulnerable to infections and damage.

5. Reduced immune response

Your immune system can be compromised when you smoke, and a weakened immune response makes it difficult for your body to fight off bacterial infections in the oral cavity. 

6. Increased risk of oral cancer

Smoking is a major cause of oral cancers. This is because the carcinogens in tobacco can lead to cancerous lesions developing in the oral cavity, including the tongue, lips, and throat.

7. Reduced success of dental procedures

Smokers may experience a higher chance of complications and reduced success rates for certain dental procedures, such as dental implant placement and periodontal surgeries.

In a nutshell, getting regular dental check-ups, cleanings and personally looking after your oral hygiene are important when attempting to reduce the effects of smoking on your teeth and gums, though easing off (and quitting) smoking altogether would be most effective. 

How about vaping or e-cigarettes?

While these are often considered to be ‘less harmful’ than traditional tobacco smoking, they are not without potential risks to oral health, and can have effects on the teeth and gums.

1. Nicotine content

Many e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, causing blood vessel constriction which impacts your gum tissue health and increases the risk of gum disease by reducing blood flow to the gums.

2. Dry mouth 

Vaping can contribute to dry mouth (xerostomia). Dry mouth reduces saliva production, which can increase the risk of cavities and other oral issues due to the lack of saliva neutralising acids and helping to prevent tooth decay.

3. Inflammatory response

Some studies suggest that the vapour produced by e-cigarettes may trigger an inflammatory response in the gum tissues. Inflammation is a key factor in the development of gum disease.

4. Chemical exposure 

E-cigarettes can contain various chemicals, including propylene glycol and flavourings. Though the impact on oral health is not yet fully understood, some may irritate the oral tissues.

5. Staining

The aerosol produced by vaping can contribute to staining of teeth. While it may not be as prominent as staining from traditional smoking, discolouration can still occur over time.

6. Potential oral cancer risk 

Although the risk appears to be lower compared to traditional smoking, there is ongoing research into the potential links between vaping and an increased risk of oral cancer.