Smoking cigarettes can have a negative impact on your oral health. Gum disease starts with bacteria on your teeth that get under your gums. If the germs stay on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque and tartar develop. This buildup leads to early gum disease, called gingivitis. When gum disease gets worse, your gums can pull away from your teeth and form spaces that get infected. This is severe gum disease, also called periodontitis. The bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place can break down, and your teeth may loosen and need to be pulled out 1.
Smoking weakens your body’s infection fighters (your immune system). This makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Once you have gum damage, smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal 1. In addition, smoking can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, and a diminished sense of taste and smell 2.
If you’re a smoker, quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your oral health. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral health problems 13.
Smoking tobacco can have a negative impact on your oral health, including your teeth. Gum disease starts with bacteria on your teeth that get under your gums. If the germs stay on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque and tartar develop. This buildup leads to early gum disease, called gingivitis. When gum disease gets worse, your gums can pull away from your teeth and form spaces that get infected. This is severe gum disease, also called periodontitis. The bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place can break down, and your teeth may loosen and need to be pulled out 1.
Smoking weakens your body’s infection fighters (your immune system). This makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Once you have gum damage, smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal 1. In addition, smoking can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, and a diminished sense of taste and smell 23.
Nicotine and tar in tobacco smoke can cause yellow or stained teeth. Brushing your teeth several times a day is one way to improve their appearance. This not only prevents staining, it also helps remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease 2.
If you’re a smoker, quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your oral health. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral health problems 14.