While it’s common knowledge that smoking has many negative effects on the body’s overall health, people might not be as aware of how smoking can hurt a person’s oral health specifically. Smoking is associated with a higher risk of many oral health problems, such as cavities. In fact, the likelihood of a smoker experiencing tooth loss is double that of an individual who does not smoke.
Likewise, smoking significantly raises a person’s risk of developing gum disease, as well as interfering with the effectiveness of treatments designed to address gum disease. In particular, smoking can slow the rate at which the gums heal after dental procedures.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that people quit smoking in order to enjoy improved oral health. A physician or dentist can advise a patient on possible methods to help a person quit, such as nicotine patches or gum.