Smoking is terrible for oral health. It should come as no surprise, as smoking is terrible for many different health reasons. Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD, we want our patients to know just what happens to the mouth of a smoker.
Smoking can affect both the teeth and gums dramatically. The gum tissue and the blood vessels within them begin to change. The top layer of gum tissue thickens; a condition called keratosis. The blood vessels become constricted, which limits blood supply to the area. The salivary glands also become damaged, which creates a dry mouth. These types of conditions affect healing, immune strength, and promote an environment for bacterial growth.
Increased bacteria lead to more plaque build-up which can lead to gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to loss of teeth and infections. The risk of infections is also greater since the immune strength is lowered. Smoking also stains breath and darkens teeth.
The worst effect of any is that smoking causes cancer. Cancerous lesions can form on the gums, the lips, the throat, the tongue, and other areas of the mouth.
Oral health and education are of the utmost importance to us here. To schedule your next appointment with Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD, call us at (301) 608-9270 or visit our website, www.bishopdental.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment