It’s no secret that smoking and vaping can have a negative impact on your overall health. While most of us know the effect it can have on the lungs and heart, few understand the impact on oral health. From minor, cosmetic damage such as staining and discolouration to major health conditions such as oral cancer, there are many ways in which your oral health is affected.
If you are wondering about the effects of smoking and vaping, and how quitting can ensure a healthier smile, we have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Immediate Effects of Smoking and Vaping
Although most of us focus on the longer-term effects, almost immediately after smoking or vaping, you will notice an impact on your oral health. These include:
Dry Mouth
Nicotine products have a negative impact on the production of saliva. But it’s important to note that it does not take long to develop. As soon as you’ve finished your cigarette or stopped using your vape, you’ll likely notice that your mouth feels dry.
Saliva has a protective role in your mouth which helps reduce harmful bacteria so if you have less, you’re more likely to develop tooth decay or infections in your mouth.
Irritation
The use of nicotine products has been linked to irritation and inflammation. Regardless of whether you have any underlying conditions, you may experience increased redness, swelling and sensitivity in and around the mouth.
Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis can be more prominent immediately after smoking or vaping. Not only will your breath be subject to the lingering odours of smoke and nicotine, but it also fosters an environment in which harmful bacteria thrive.
Dulled Senses
Dulled taste and smell are two effects of smoking or vaping. Even after a single cigarette, you could experience a change in your senses and find that foods and drinks are less enjoyable than usual.
Plaque
Unbeknown to some, plaque can build extremely quickly on the teeth, especially if you don’t follow a strict care routine. Smoking and vaping contribute to the build-up of plaque, causing irritation and putting you at risk of health conditions such as gum disease.
How Smoking & Vaping Cause Stains and Bad Breath
Two of the most immediate effects of smoking and vaping are stains and bad breath. The nicotine and tar found in these products are renowned for discolouring surfaces, and your teeth are no exception.
Clinging onto the enamel on the surface of your teeth, you’ll commonly experience yellow or brown staining that is near impossible to remove without treatment from a professional.
Smoking and vaping are also linked with dry mouth, impacting your mouth’s ability to generate saliva. And when saliva production is slow, excess food particles cannot be washed away, creating an environment where bacteria thrive. It’s this bacteria that causes persistent bad breath, a condition also known as halitosis.
The Link to Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
When it comes to gum disease, smoking is one of the most significant risk factors because:
- It causes dry mouth.
- It interferes with normal blood flow to the gums.
- It negatively affects your body’s ability to fight infection.
- It causes a build-up of plaque on the teeth.
Also known as periodontal disease, it’s a serious infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue around your teeth. Gum disease causes the bone to pull away from the teeth, resulting in the collection of food debris and the production of excess toxins.
And while your body tries to fight the disease, connective tissue can be impacted. If this connective tissue is damaged too badly, there is no anchor to hold your tooth in place. In these cases, tooth loss is the result.
Commonly presenting itself in the form of swollen, red or bleeding gums, gum disease often begins as gingivitis which is treatable and reversible. If left untreated and the condition develops into periodontal disease, your options become more limited, potentially resulting in lifelong complications.
The Increased Risk of Oral Cancer
Arguably the most serious condition that smoking and vaping can cause is oral cancer. Studies have shown the risk of smokers developing oral cancer to be over 90% higher than active smokers.
Oral cancer could impact a combination of the lips, the tongue, the cheeks, the throat and the gums and could be fatal if not detected and treated early. If you are an active smoker, it’s essential to know the symptoms:
- Persistent ulcers that don’t heal.
- Lumps or thickening in and around the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Unexplained bleeding in and around the mouth.
If you spot any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Quitting for a Healthier Smile
The good news is that when you quit smoking or vaping, you will see the benefits almost immediately. And with the right care and commitment to change, many of the effects outlined above will be resolved.
Your saliva production levels will return to normal, your gums less irritated, your breath will smell better, and your sense of taste and smell will return.
Maintaining an oral health routine is a good defence against oral health conditions after you stop smoking or vaping. This routine could include brushing and flossing twice a day, using a mouthwash to kill bacteria and visiting your dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups and treatments.
Want to find out more information on achieving a healthy smile? Get in touch with the experts at My Family Dental. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
