Everybody is well aware that smoking is dangerous for their health but learning the top 5 oral problems linked to cigarette smoking may finally make you quit.
Generally, cigarette or cigar smoking results in chronic health conditions with a high mortality rate. Many patients do not realize the dangers linked to teeth and overall oral health. Smoking can cause severe mouth cancers, staining, and chronic gum diseases. Let us look at side effects of oral problems linked to cigarette smoking:
Teeth Staining
Tar and nicotine are found in all tobacco. When you light up a cigarette, the smoke inhaled contains nicotine and tar, dark in color and easily adheres to the teeth surface.
These are the questions long-term smokers ask?
How does it affect my gums and teeth?
Smokers are highly prone to have a bacterial plaque that leads to gum disease due to smoking; it is more difficult for the infected gums to heal due to insufficient oxygen in the blood, resulting in chronic severe gum disease and may lead to tooth decay loss.
Smoking can also cause other problems such as:
Bad breath is also known as Halitosis
The smell of cigarettes stays in your mouth for quite a long time and causes your mouth to dry, causing bad breath; smoking also causes gum diseases leading to tooth loss and bad breath.
1. Slow wound healing
This is caused by a low level of oxygen in the blood, which helps a lot in wound healing; when inhaling carbon monoxide when smoking, it enters your blood cells, thus lowering the oxygen level of your blood. Oxygen is vital in the process of wound healing.
2. Inflammation of the salivary gland
Smoking causes dry mouth and increases bacteria or a blockage in salivary glands caused by abscesses or infections and inflammation.
3. Loss of jawbone density
Smoking impedes the flow of oxygen that nourishes the bones; it affects calcium absorption, leading to lower jawbone density.
4. The low success rate of dental implant and other surgery procedures
Implant failure is high among smokers; peri-implantitis is an adverse effect of smoking. It lowers the success of an implant. This also affects other surgical procedures. The surgical adverse effects linked to cigarette smoking are often the result of poor blood supply and vascularization.
5. Increased risk of developing oral cancer
Smokers have a higher risk of having oral cancer, cancer of the larynx, lungs, esophagus, and other organs.
Quitting smoking is the only way to eliminate diseases such as cancer and other oral health problems. So if you continue to smoke, health issues will worsen, gum pockets deepen leading to bone loss and loosening of teeth. Quitting will give you healthier teeth and gums and lower your risk of acquiring these deadly diseases.
How to quit to avoid oral problems linked to cigarrete smoking?
1. Find a nicotine replacement
To quit smoking you can ask a dentist or a doctor about available nicotine replacement options such as:
- Nasal inhaler containing Nicotine
- Nicotine chewing gums and skin patches often available over the counter ( See our product recommended list )
- Prescriptiion medications such as as bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix)
Many of these Short-acting nicotine replacement options— can help you overcome smoking cravings.
Some studies have suggested the use of Electronic cigarettes, however, the long-term use and side effects have not yet been determined.
2. Stay away from smoking triggers
To avoid smoking temptation stay away from people and places where people often smoke such as pubs or bars.
3. Postpone smoking
One way to kick off the habit of smoking is to postpone the decision to smoke. Try to get yourself busy with other stuff or grab a chewing gum or a snack instead.
4. Snacking
Snacking can be a way out for smokers. By snacking on pieces of vegetables, nuts such as almonds, walnuts and cahews, you often can forget about the need to smoke.
5. Hit the Ggym
Exercising and physical activities can certainly get your mind off smoking and also help you become healthier
If you cannot hit the gym, start with stretching, push-ups, sit-ups, or whatever you can do to take your mind off of smoking.
7. Meditate of connect to the Universal Power
People who smoke, often do it because of a stressful situation. Replacing it with activities that calm the mind such as meditation, prayer, or simply closing your eyes and connecting to the universal power can make you forget about smoking.
8. Remember there are more steps involved in smoking than simply not to smoke.
Deciding to smoke involves many steps such as buying a cigarette, opening the pack, putting it in your mouth, lighting it and finding a place to smoke. It is much simpler to just decide not to smoke and forgo all these steps.
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There are several products we recommend for you to consider buying if you are considering to quit and avoiding oral problems linked to smoking. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
