More and more people are becoming aware of the enormous health impact of tobacco. In addition to serious pulmonary, cardiovascular or respiratory consequences, there are important repercussions on oral health, such as:
– Increase, up to three times, of gum diseases such as periodontitis. It also favors the formation of calculus, tartar or stains on teeth and tongue. According to a study, 50% of adults who use tobacco suffer from this type of condition.
– Loss of the senses, both smell and taste, is another consequence of smoking on oral health.
-It decreasesthe blood and oxygen supply to the gums, leaving them defenseless against bacterial plaque, and increases the risk of mouth sores, cavities and receding gums, which can lead to tooth loss.
– Tobacco is also associated with oral cancer, both of the cheeks and of the gums or lips, with those who use it being twice as likely as those who do not.
– It reduces the efficacy of treatments to combat oral diseases, especially gum disease, due to its irritant and anti-scarring properties. So much so that between 86 and 90 % of patients who do not respond correctly to those are smokers.
– In addition, tobacco also increases the levels of pathogenic bacteria and reduces the body’s defenses to fight any disease and infection of the mouth and gums. It also reduces the capacity of the blood vessels to act, which limits healing after infection or surgery of the gum tissue.
With perseverance you will be able to quit smoking and improve the health of your teeth and gums. Taking care of the mouth is vital to ensure the health and well-being of the whole body.
