The risks to your health from smoking are known, but what are less known are the effects of smoking on your teeth and your overall oral health. Below are some ways that smoking impacts your oral health. Aesthetic Effects: If you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco regularly you will almost certainly have stained teeth and a stained tongue. While these effects from smoking aren't initially harmful, they certainly have a negative effect on your social interactions. A very common side effect of smoking is teeth stains. Due to the tar, nicotine, and tobacco, it turns teeth brown or yellow very rapidly. Stains can also become permanent if they penetrate the enamel for instance in long term smokers. Yellow teeth and smelly bad breath certainly aren't pleasant for someone to experience when they are talking closely with you. What they are experiencing has a name which is called "smokers mouth.” Bad breath or halitosis is quite common in smokers. Even after brushing, the smell of cigarettes can stay in your mouth. In addition to the problem we just talked about, some people also experience "smokers tongue.” Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth, can also be seen in smokers. Although the cause of this is unknown, chewing tobacco and smoking is responsible in most cases. Often people hold the tobacco against their cheek and develop white patches there. Perhaps your other half is also a smoker and therefore some of these unpleasant effects of smoking aren't that apparent to you.

Other Health Issues: So what are the most serious effects of smoking on oral health? Smoking and tobacco products are responsible for far more serious health problems and issues than an embarrassing smokers mouth. These health issues include: A dull sense of taste and smell: Smokers also complain of diminished taste and that they cannot enjoy their meal as much as they would usually without smoking. Accelerated gum disease like gingivitis and periodontitis: Gum diseases are quite prevalent in smokers. Along with this, bone loss and loosening of teeth are also serious effects of smoking. Slow healing from surgery on your teeth and gums: Smoking slows the healing process because less oxygen is delivered to the wound, as oxygen is vital in your healing procedure. Greater susceptibility to infection: Smokers mouth visibly appears unhealthy. These increased plaques build up on your teeth, causing tooth decay and greater susceptibility to infection. Oral cancer: Smoking and chewing tobacco can dramatically increase the risk of oral cancer in an individual.

What can you do about the effect of smoking on your teeth and oral health? You need to QUIT smoking. It's not going to be easy but do you really want to have an embarrassing smokers mouth and to risk harming your immune system or developing cancer? How Do I Quit Smoking? Here are three tips to help you kick the negative habit: 1. Try to get a sponsor: Someone committed to helping you quit smoking for good. Give them a method for rewarding you with each milestone. 2. Meditate: Learning to be mindful and being aware of your body's physical state can also help you focus on the benefits of quitting. 3. Get professional help: Whether it's a therapist, support group or self-help book, seek out an effective quitting strategy from experts who know what works best. But what if you can't quit smoking or you just love it? Then you are not a terrible person. Of course, it is tough as nicotine is highly addictive. You can help your teeth and oral health by having a thorough daily cleaning routine that consists of: · brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste · cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper · Using an interdental brush to clean between your teeth (It's proven to be much more effective than floss and it's way easier to use than floss) · finish it off with a 60 second swirl of mouthwash Follow this routine every day and you can eliminate some of the most embarrassing dental problems caused by smoking. Although, it's never going to be as effective as quitting. Regular dental check-ups: Your dentist will carry out a routine examination to make sure that your mouth is healthy. He will examine your overall cavity: cheeks, tongue, and throat for any signs of other conditions that may need more investigation. He may also help you stop smoking by keeping you in touch with organizations and self-help groups. Conclusion: Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for their health. It can cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases too. However, many people don't realize the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums, and teeth affecting their overall oral cavity. Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases mouth cancer.