New Delhi: Tobacco use has profound and detrimental effects on oral health, leading to a range of issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancers, and bad breath.
The chemicals in tobacco products, including nicotine, tar, and other carcinogens, contribute to these oral health problems in various ways. The chemicals in tobacco can impair blood flow to the gums, reducing the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen, which hampers the gums’ ability to heal. Know how tobacco use affects oral health, leading to issues like gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancers, and bad breath. Highlight the importance of awareness and regular dental check-ups.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Kamlesh Kothari, Dental Implant Specialist, Cosmetic Dentist and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Kolkata, founder and Clinical Director of Aesthetica, explained how quitting smoking can affect oral health in a long run.
“Smoking also affects the body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off infections, which can exacerbate gum disease. This can lead to symptoms such as swollen, bleeding gums, and in severe cases, tooth loss. Tobacco use contributes to an increase in plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. The sticky substances in tobacco can promote the growth of bacteria, leading to cavities and tooth decay. Smokers often experience dry mouth (xerostomia), which reduces saliva production. Saliva is crucial for neutralising acids,” said Dr Kothari.
Quitting smoking has many positive impacts on one’s oral health, bringing about remarkable improvement in both aesthetic appeal and functionality. When you quit smoking, blood circulation improves, which helps gums to heal. This enables more oxygen and important nutrients that assist in gum tissue healing from inflammation and infection. Strong gums do not bleed, swell or withdraw hence ensuring the structural integrity of teeth is maintained.
By stopping tobacco use, no carcinogens contained in such products enter the body system any longer. Thus, this greatly reduces the probability of contracting oral cancers which often affect lips, tongue, cheeks or throat. Less plaque and tartar build up around your teeth in the absence of tobacco. It therefore becomes easier to maintain good dental hygiene as well as ensuring better results during brushing for a clean mouth.
