Over the past decade, there has been a huge drop in cigarette smokers. Since highlighting their serious health risks through television and the internet, more and more people have decided to quit for themselves and the others around them. Even with this major decline, however, there is still a large amount of people in Canada who do it.  

Contrary to what you may have heard in the past, cigarette smoking does not just have an effect on your lungs and heart — it also has a major effect on your oral health. To be more specific, smoking can impact a number of different things within the mouth such as the teeth, tongue and gums. Here at Weston Dental Clinic, we would like to go into more detail about exactly how smoking affects your dental health and why you should avoid it. 

Decay of the Teeth 

No matter which way you look at it, cigarettes contain thousands of different chemicals. Some of these chemicals include ammonia (used in hair dye), acetone (the chemical used in nail polish remover) and formaldehyde. The scary part is that these are just a few of the many chemicals that have been found inside of cigarettes.  

All of these chemicals have a serious impact on your teeth, causing your enamel to wear away and lead to tooth decay. This leads to serious dental issues down the road, and can even lead to losing your teeth. Other serious problems you may encounter due to prolonged use of cigarettes include: 

• Root canals 
• Bridge and crown procedures 
• Veneers and dental implants 

Discolouration of the Teeth 

Did you know that cigarette smoke is potent enough to stain windows, walls and car seats? If you’ve ever entered a smoker’s home, you may notice the walls are a yellowish colour — this can possibly be due to the nicotine in cigarettes staining the painted walls. With the major impact it has on these types of materials, it is not surprising to believe that smoking stains the teeth as well. 

The longer one smokes, the more they are at risk of staining their teeth a yellowish colour. Discolouration of the teeth can end up having a huge effect on both your personal life and your work life. To many others, it has a huge impact on their self-esteem and overall confidence. 

Higher Risk of Gum Disease 

Gum disease is a serious issue that a lot of smokers deal with. Matter of fact, the average smoker is two to three times more likely to develop severe gum disease than those who do not smoke. Gum disease, especially in its most severe form, can lead to soft tissue problems in the mouth and bone loss in the jaw. When gum disease is left untreated for long enough, it can lead to losing your teeth.  

How Our Clinic Can Help 

Dealing with the serious effects that smoking has on the teeth can be difficult, but there is no need to worry when you work with a dental clinic that can help. Here at Weston Dental Office, we work hard to keep your teeth clean, beautiful and healthy for years to come. With our highly experienced team of health professionals, you can feel confident with your smile no matter where you go. To learn more about our general dentistry in Toronto, be sure to contact our front desk at 416-247-1928 today!