What smoking does to your teeth and gums?

Most of us are aware by now that smoking jeopardises our health – it’s the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. But you may not realise the damage smoking does to teeth and gums. Smokers are more likely to get stained teeth and bad breath, but there’s an increased risk of more serious problems, such as tooth loss and gum disease.

Other potential oral health issues if you smoke include salivary gland infection and lesions inside the mouth. And while smoking is often associated with lung cancer, it can trigger oral cancer too. Smokers may also have more difficulty recovering after oral surgery. Furthermore, replacing missing teeth can be problematic if you smoke.

Smoking and tooth decay

Nicotine and tar in tobacco products makes smokers more susceptible to plaque build-up on teeth. Plaque is the sticky coating that forms on the surface of teeth. It contains bacteria that produce acids which eat into dental enamel – the outer, protective layer of a tooth.
This can result in cavities and tooth loss.

Tooth decay symptoms

Initial stages of tooth decay may not be obvious. As it progresses, you may get:

• Toothache.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Small holes in your teeth.
• Difficulty eating.

Smoking and gum disease

Bacterial plaque on teeth can penetrate into the gums and cause gum disease (periodontitis/ periodontal disease). Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults.
Infection and inflammation from gum disease can damage jaw bone and connective tissues that anchor teeth. Affected teeth can become so loose they have to be extracted. According to the Centers for Disease Control in the USA, smoking doubles the risk of gum disease.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Signs you may have gum disease include:

• Swollen gums.
• Bleeding gums.
• Receding gums.
• Loose teeth.

Smoking and oral cancer

Chemicals in tobacco smoke increase the risk of oral cancer, which can develop anywhere in the mouth – tongue, gums, floor or roof of the mouth, inner lining of the cheeks, and lips. These substances trigger mutations in oral cellular DNA – nucleic acid that contains our genetic code. The resulting abnormal cells can grow and divide to form a tumour that may spread inside the mouth and to other parts of the head, the neck, and other areas of the body. Survival rates for cancer are promising when the disease is diagnosed early. However, the initial stages of oral cancer may go unnoticed if you don’t have regular dental check-ups. If your dentist or dental hygienist spots apparent signs of mouth cancer, advanced cancer screening can provide a precise diagnosis.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms that may indicate oral cancer include:

• Persistent pain in the mouth.
• Ulcers that don’t heal.
• Difficulty eating.
• Speech problems.
• A lump in the mouth, lip or neck.
• Bleeding in the mouth.
• Numb mouth.
• Loose teeth.

Smoking and other oral health problems

Besides tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancer, smoking has been linked with other oral health issues, including:

Leukoplakia

Smoking is the most common cause of leukoplakia – thick, white or greyish blotches and lesions on gums, the inside of cheeks, on or under the tongue, or on the lips.