Kelowna Dentists Explain: How Does Smoking Affect Your Smile?
While yellow stains and brutal breath may be on the forefront of a smoker’s top dental concerns, there is a risk of more serious health issues. Did you know that smoking tobacco products often causes major delays in tissue healing? Certain dental procedures such as…
While yellow stains and brutal breath may be on the forefront of a smoker’s top dental concerns, there is a risk of more serious health issues. Did you know that smoking tobacco products often causes major delays in tissue healing? Certain dental procedures such as dental implant therapy, may take much longer to heal and in some cases, may not even be a possibility. Dental implant failure can occur when there is damage along the tooth and gums or periodontitis issues, which can become elaborated from smoking. Clients undergoing any form of oral surgery must be fit to undergo the procedure (as with any surgery). The cardiovascular hazards that heavy smokers face may cause them not to be candidates for some dental operations. Dr. Sandy Crocker, Dr. Peter Mitchell and Associates in Kelowna will ensure your medical chart is up to date prior to making any dental recommendations. It is vital to be honest with your dentist and every health care practitioner regarding your smoking habits to ensure the proper precautions are taken.
Dental Concerns for Smokers Include:
- Increased risk of developing oral cancer
- Increased tartar and plaque build up
- Staining and tooth discolouration
- Increased risk of developing gum disease
- Increased risk of bone loss within the jaw
- Inflammation of the salivary glands
- Increased risk of white patches in the mouth known as Leukoplakia
Delayed Healing Interferes with Tooth Extraction
Many clients are concerned about their eating and drinking habits post-surgery. Tooth extractions or having wisdom teeth removed are common occurrences. A vital part of the healing process is having adequate clot formation to facilitate a clean, bacteria free healing site. Smoking or even sucking on a straw are discouraged after oral surgery as this motion can accidentally dislodge any fresh blood clots and essentially re-open your wound. This can potentially cause situations including bacterial invasion issues and dry socket to occur.
Vaping Counts in a Negative Way
Congratulations if you are taking steps to minimize your tobacco consumption. Clients are often surprised to find out that their oral health isn’t quite out of the woods when they switch from traditional cigs to using an electronic cigarette. Significant threats have been found to the teeth and gums in individuals who opt for E-cigs as well. The element in this apparatus becomes extremely hot and can cause the chemically flavored and nicotine cocktail to become quite toxic. Repetitive inhalation can cause tooth and gum damage similar to traditional cigarettes.
Smoking with Braces Can Lead to Significant Staining
It is necessary to increase your oral health care routine while undergoing orthodontic treatment. With so many brackets and wires, there is naturally a zillion more places for plaque to hide and tartar build up to form. Many people decide that undergoing their smile overhaul coincides with the perfect time to quit smoking! Dr. Sandy Crocker and Dr. Peter Mitchell in Kelowna are happy to discuss healthy alternatives or answer any questions to help you regain your maximum health and well-being. The extra toxins and chemicals ingested while smoking can drastically affect your ability to fight tooth decay. Staining can be an issue for some orthodontic patients who don’t smoke but especially for those who do. Maintaining your regular dental checkups is important as our team of dental experts monitors any changes in your oral health and conducts oral cancer screenings during your dental checkups. Call us today to book your next dental check-up in Kelowna. We are always happy to help our clients look and feel their very best!
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