Smoking is incredibly common in the UK. It’s estimated that around 9.4 million adults in the UK smoke, but we’re willing to bet that not all of these people realise what it’s doing to their dental health. Our dentist in Lancaster wants to shed some light on what smoking could be doing to your health.

What smoking does to your teeth and dental health

Smoking takes a definite toll on your dental health. Your teeth, gums, breath, and soft tissues in your mouth could already be compromised due to frequent smoking.

Your gums

Smoking tobacco causes a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream, leading to gums that are already showing the signs of infection to not be able to heal properly. Most adults have some form of gum disease in one severity or another, so it stands to reason that a large portion of smokers could be afflicted too. This means your gums could worsen in a much shorter time than a non-smoker, and they’ll be slower to heal should anything happen to them. Gum disease progresses far quicker in smoking adults than non-smokers, so smoking could greatly affect your gum health.

Smoker’s breath

This a common complaint of smokers and their loved ones, but there is a sinister reason why. Not only does it not smell great, but this shows that smoke particles are sticking around in your lungs. Your lungs are full of bronchioles, which are spongey because of the air holes in them. Tobacco smoke gets stuck in these spongey membranes and can become dislodged when breathing, coughing, and talking.

Tartar and plaque build-up

Plaque is the build-up of bacteria on your teeth, and when this is left untreated then it hardens into tartar. Smoking sets off a domino effect in your mouth, leading to the imbalance of your mouth’s pH levels and the onset of increased risks of plaque, tartar, and gum disease.

The risks of developing mouth cancer

These are incredibly high if you are a smoker. According to the NHS, approximately 90% of people with cancer in the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat currently use or have used tobacco. If you’re a smoker, you’re 6 times more likely to develop these cancers than those who don’t smoke. Your dentist will help you learn the signs of mouth cancer and check for the warning signs themselves, but you will greatly help your chances of developing it by cutting down on smoking.

Visit your dentist

If you’re worried about your teeth or need some lifestyle advice on how to cut down, then you should definitely seek the advice of your dentist. We can help you identify the warning signs of problems developing and prepare against them or treat them. Your dentist is there to give your advice and help you maintain your dental health, so don’t shy away from a dentist appointment in Lancaster. Enquire online or speak to a member of our team on 01524 735431 to book your appointment today, and let us help you reinstate your dental health!