You are likely not under the impression that smoking is good for you or your oral health in any way. However, when it comes to just how broad the negative effects can be from this habit, you may not realize that cigarettes and more can cause many, many consequences not only for your general health but for your smile, too. If the thought of quitting has crossed your mind and you find that all inspiration is good inspiration, then our Virginia Beach, VA team encourages you to think through some of the ways smoking can have a not-so-great impact on your grin.
It Can Stain Nearly Anything
You know that smoking means you’re inhaling tar from your cigarette. What you may not realize is that this tar can discolor just about anything it comes into contact with. Remember, this can include your smile. In addition, if you’re smoking with a device in place (such as a denture) or an Invisalign tray in place, you may end up damaging these items with stains. For natural teeth, we offer cosmetic care to address discoloration. For devices, you will likely require replacement in order to say goodbye to staining.
It Won’t Help Your Breath Smell Good
Cigarettes aren’t prized for how wonderful they smell! They can also contribute to dry mouth. This means that whether you have dry oral tissues or not, smoking will certainly promote bad breath. Keep in mind that over time, tar can even make its way into your throat, where it makes getting rid of that yucky breath more complex and difficult.
It Promotes Oral Cancer
You are likely already aware that smoking is linked to cancer. One of those cancers is oral cancer, which can affect tissues in your mouth, throat, and surrounding areas. We always encourage patients to consider that this is a very real oral health and general health threat that can become fatal.
It Can Encourage Implant Failure
When you smoke, you reduce your body’s capacity to fight infection. Unfortunately, you also increase your chance of developing gum inflammation. This does not bode well for dental implants, which become more vulnerable to failure. Stopping this habit is a very wise decision for your general and oral health.
Receive Assistance To Quit Smoking
If you’d like to quit smoking to protect your oral health and more but you realize you could really use some assistance, we invite you to learn more with our team by coming in for a dental visit. Contact Absolute Dental Care today in Virginia Beach, VA to schedule a visit by calling (757) 428-7440. We proudly welcome patients Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampton, Eastern Shore, and all surrounding communities.
