The Effects Of Smoking On Oral Health For Your Teen
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Adults who smoke most often have taken up the habit while in their teens, so parents should have a serious talk with them about how smoking can impact their health. Childrens dentists in Surrey have seen results. Do some research beforehand, don’t wait until they’ve started, have this discussion as soon as they are old enough to understand. Teens can be very self conscious so pointing out the effects it has such as stained, yellow teeth on their appearance in addition to those listed below.
Bad Breath
Smoking causes bad breath that even a breath mint can’t mask, no surprise when more than 4,000 chemicals pass through your oral cavity with every cigarette. Smoke and many end up collecting on the surfaces your mouth, which can trigger mouth infections and even irritate your sinuses.
Gum Disease
Smokers mouths’ are likely to produce more bacterial plaque and much more prone to gum disease which will progress at a more rapid rate than non smokers. With lower levels of oxygen in their blood it makes it harder for the body to heal itself and a slower healing process is the result.
Cavities
The increased levels of plaque and gum problems caused by smoking puts the smoker at a higher risk for tooth decay.
Stained Teeth
Unattractive yellow stains from tar and nicotine are left on your teeth , over time this discolouration can seep into cracks in the tooth’s enamel. Continue smoking for many years and the stains may become permanent.
Oral Cancer
Smoking and chewing tobacco can contribute to cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips and throat.
90% of those diagnosed with these types of cancers use some kind of tobacco products, smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer. The good news is those whose cancers are treated and quit smoking have a 37% chance it will not recur compared to 6% if they don’t quit. These types of cancers are usually not discovered until they are well advanced making long term survival rates very low. Have regular Dental checkups as part of your health routine, during the exam your Dentist will check for lumps and ask if there is any sore spots you are concerned about
With smokers higher risk for mouth pain cavities, gum recession and gum disease and it’s estimated that 50% of those who smoke have gum disease. If smokers elect to have dental implants they face a lower success rate for the procedure as well they have an increased loss of bone within the jaw.
Thanks to SmileTown Dentistry North Delta for these insights.
