What Happens When You Skip Your Routine Teeth Cleaning?
April 11, 2022Get Your Dream Smile Faster with Acceledent
June 30, 2022General Dentistry in Chalfont
Smoking cigarettes is bad for your general health, and it’s no secret. However, many people don’t realize how cigarettes can affect their oral health. We will discuss the effects of smoking cigarettes on your teeth and provide some tips for protecting your oral health with general dentistry in Chalfont.
1. Teeth Staining
Cigarette smoking causes teeth to yellow and stain. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes are the main culprits for stained teeth. Over time, these stains can become very difficult to remove and may even require professional dental treatment.
You can do a few things to help prevent or reduce teeth stains from cigarettes, such as:
• Brush your teeth regularly and floss daily
• Use whitening toothpaste or mouthwash
• Quit smoking
2. Gum Disease
Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss, and it is caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and it can be very difficult to remove. When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which a professional dental cleaning can only remove.
Gum disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist. There are treatments available for gum disease, but it is best to prevent it from happening in the first place. The best way to do this is to brush and floss regularly and see a dentist for regular cleanings. Highpoint Dental Medicine offers the best general dentistry in Chalfont if you suffer from gum disease.
3. Oral Cancer
Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of developing oral cancer. Oral cancer is a serious condition that can lead to death. The most common symptoms of oral cancer are a sore throat, trouble swallowing, and a lump in the neck. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist or doctor.
Oral cancer is best treated when it is caught early. This is why it’s essential to see a dentist for regular check-ups. During a dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer. You can also reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by quitting smoking cigarettes.
4. Bad Breath
Cigarette smoking also causes bad breath. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes stick to your teeth and gums, which can be difficult to remove. Over time, this can cause your breath to smell like smoke. You can prevent bad breath by using a tongue scraper or mouthwash. These products can help remove bacteria from your tongue, which can cause bad breath.
5. Cavities
Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of developing cavities. Cavities are caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and it can be very difficult to remove. When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which a professional dental cleaning can only remove.
Cavities are treated by filling the hole in the tooth with a special material. You can prevent cavities by brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist at Highpoint Dental Medicine for regular cleanings.
Contact Us Today
Cigarette smoking is bad for your teeth and overall oral health. It can cause teeth stains, gum disease, oral cancer, bad breath, and cavities. At Highpoint Dental Medicine we offer the best dental care in Chalfont. Contact us today to request an appointment.