Smoking

Many smokers are unaware or turn off to the dangers of tobacco use which includes cigarettes, cannabis, cigars and pipes regarding there general health, which includes heart disease, lung disease, cancer and damage of many other organs of their body,  let alone the problems tobacco causes in the mouth. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the developement and progression of periodontal (gum) disease which is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.

Recent research reported in The New Zealand Herald February 2008 has shown that heavy cannabis smoking was responsible for more than one third of new cases of periodontal disease by the age of 32. Therefore all forms of smoking will disrupt the delicate balance of the oral mucosa (soft tissue) of the mouth, in other words, delay healing of periodontal disease.

Smokers are more likely to have thicker plaque due to the drying action of the smoke and the reduction of saliva. This in turn leads to the plaque calcifying more quickly to form calculus (tartar). Calculus attaches itself to the tooth structure both above and below the gum and is very difficult to remove. As calculus is very rough, more plaque collects and hardens.

If the plaque and calculus remains on the tooth structure the bacteria in plaque produces a toxin that irritates the soft tissue around the teeth causing inflammation (redness and swelling causing bleeding of the gums).  Inflammation and more toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque can lead to the destruction of the (gingivae) gums and may also lead to destruction of the bone supporting the teeth. This in turn can lead to the gum detaching itself from the root of the tooth causing pockets, where more plaque and bacteria can harbour causing more destruction of gums and bone. Receding gums may follow, making the teeth look longer which could lead to tooth loss, discomfort and the possibility of teeth needing extraction.

When the smoke is taken into the mouth approximately 4000 toxins and poisons are absorbed by the soft tissue (oral mucosa) very quickly and work thier way to the small blood capillaries and lay themselves inside the capillaries and start to reduce the blood flow to the gums.  This causes some difficulty in detecting periodontal disease in smokers and some smokers will not notice any problems and delay seeking treatment or leave treatment until it is too late.  
 
A dental professional (Registered Dental Hygienist) removes the plaque and calculus from the tooth structure and instructs the patient on how to prevent plaque and calculus from reforming.  However smoking slows down the healing process making the treatment less predictable.  If the disease is caught early by your dental Hygienist, it can be treated with full mouth scaling and or root planning (deep scaling under the gums) and advice on regular maintenance appointments to prevent recurrence of any disease.

A list of conditions that may occur in smokers of any substance include - oral cancer, tooth loss, recession of the gingivae (gum), bone loss, halitosis (bad breath), stained teeth, loss of taste, mouth ulcers, poor healing after periodontal treatment, or poor healing with dental implants.

We appreciate kicking the smoking habit requires a big commitment from you, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
 
Once you have successfully given up smoking why not treat yourself to a whitening session to enhance your look at the Dental Hygiene Clinic.