(Newswire.net — July 29, 2019) –Can smoking cause cavities? If you’re a smoker and you have a lot of cavities, we have bad news for you. Smoking and tobacco use are not only bad for your overall health, but these habits are also bad for your teeth.
Can Smoking Cause Cavities
Cavities can occur for a variety of reasons, from poor dental hygiene to inheriting weak tooth enamel and cause plaque to form. Even if you have great teeth, starting a smoking habit is an excellent way to ruin your million-dollar smile.
Using Tobacco Increases the Potential for Gum Disease
Gum disease leads to cavities and other oral health issues. Smoking is one of the most significant causes of gum disease in the United States.
Your gums become diseased as bacteria makes its way underneath the edges of your gums. Bacteria that stays on your teeth can eventually move under your gums to cause disease and cavities.
The Nicotine found in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products helps increase the growth and strength of biofilm (bacteria) on your teeth. With continued tobacco use, you’re helping your teeth grow harmful bacteria that lead to cavities.
It’s Not Just Smoking . . .
While smoking is an excellent way to ruin your teeth, chewing tobacco is harmful to your teeth and gums, as well. Just as sugar causes cavities, tobacco can cause serious oral health issues.
If you have a habit of using smokeless tobacco, your teeth might be in more danger than from smoking tobacco. Studies show that chewing tobacco can be four times worse on your gum health than smoking tobacco.
You might improve the health of your lungs by chewing tobacco instead of smoking, but that’s nothing to smile about. You’re increasing your risk of cavities with smokeless tobacco.
Know What’s Happening
Watch for these symptoms of gum disease.
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Bleeding after flossing or brushing
- Visible pus or sores on the gums
- Pain when chewing
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop smoking, and make an appointment with your dentist. Your gum tissue does not grow back the same way skin cells regenerate. Once damage to your teeth and gums begin, it’s critical to stop further damage that could lead to more serious oral issues.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Tobacco is addictive. The more you use it, the more your body craves. It becomes an expensive habit.
If you’re spending money on cigarettes or other tobacco products, make sure your teeth aren’t suffering from lack of proper care. In some cases, an expensive tobacco habit could mean you aren’t spending money on proper oral hygiene.
It’s not too late to stop more damage to your teeth and gums.
1. Save the money you spend on tobacco products and use it for a visit to a dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning.
2. Have your cavities filled to start fresh.
3. Brush your teeth twice a day, every day.
4. Work with your dentist on a plan to help reverse visible signs of tobacco use on your teeth or gums.
So, can smoking cause cavities? Yes, smoking can cause cavities! It’s time to stop putting money into tobacco products and start putting your money into better oral care. Your smile is worth it!