Smoking

Obviously, while information about the medical problems associated with smoking – such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants – is widely available, many smokers have no idea that it affects oral health as well

Periodontal disease or gum disease is one threat to smokers. Recent studies have shown thattobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:

• Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning

• Deep pockets between your teeth and gums

• Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth

If the calculus is not removed during a professional cleaning, and it remains below your gum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, periodontal pockets form and fill with disease-causing bacteria.

Other Oral Problems

Researches also have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:

• Oral cancer

• Bad breath

• Stained teeth

• Tooth loss

• Bone loss

• Loss of taste

• Less success with periodontal treatment

• Less success with dental implants

• Gum recession

• Mouth sores

• Facial wrinkling