Smoking has been increasingly linked to a host of health and dental problems. The destructive effects of smoking are especially acute in the mouth because it has direct contact with the harmful substances in the tobacco found in cigarettes.
Smokers usually have chronic bad breath and discolored teeth because the nicotine causes a significant reduction of saliva flow. Saliva is essential for cleaning the mouth and teeth. Saliva also helps to prevent tooth decay.
Smoking promotes the build up of plaque and tartar, increasing the rate at which gum and bone tissue are destroyed. Smokers are highly predisposed to periodontal (gum) disease. This will eventually lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth can easily be replaced by dental implants in a non-smoker. However, the success rate of this procedure in a smoker is lower.
Smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, at least 75% of those diagnosed at 50 or older are tobacco users. The death rate associated with this type of cancer is particularly high because it is difficult to detect, with patients reporting that they feel no pain or discomfort. It is also known to have one of the highest rate of relapse, with patients being at risk for 5 – 10 years after their first encounter with oral cancer.
If you are a smoker, it’s never too late to quit smoking. Gum chewing is a substitute while others use nicotine patches with a decreasing dose of nicotine over time. Professional help is also available.
Specialist Dental Group is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For more information on different types of dental treatments, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883.
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