The Dangers of Smoking for Oral Health

Smoking has a significant impact on oral health, especially on gums and teeth.

Here are some of the harmful effects:

Tooth discoloration: Smoking can cause yellow or brown discoloration on teeth. The chemicals contained in tobacco smoke can build up on the tooth surface and cause unsightly stains.

Gum disease: Smoking is a known risk factor for gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Tobacco use impairs blood flow to the gums and reduces the tissue’s ability to regenerate. This can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding and, in the worst case, tooth loss.

Slowed wound healing: Smoking can impair wound healing in the mouth area. After tooth extractions or other oral surgical procedures, smokers may experience delayed healing. Complications in healing after extractions or surgical procedures are much more common. These complications can also lead to serious problems such as necrosis, infection or abscesses.

Bad breath: Smoking can cause or worsen bad breath. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause an unpleasant odor in the mouth.
Loss of tooth support: Smoking can cause the bone around the teeth to break down, compromising the stability of the teeth. This bone loss can lead to loosening and ultimately loss of teeth over time.
Oral cancer: Smoking is a major risk factor for mouth and throat cancer. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the tissues in the mouth area and lead to malignant changes.

It is important to note that these effects depend not only on the amount of tobacco smoked, but also on the duration of tobacco consumption. Smoking can also have a very negative impact on the response to dental treatments and reduce the effectiveness of oral health measures. Quitting smoking is therefore of great importance not only for general health but also for oral health.

What measures can be taken?

The optimal solution is of course to stop smoking. However, we are aware that this is easier said than done. However, a gradual reduction is easier to implement and can be done within a few weeks. As a helpful tip, I recommend using a small cigarette holder and only inserting the permitted amount each day. This will make it much easier to space out the cigarettes throughout the day. Start with small steps and you will soon find that it is not too difficult, provided you have a little discipline. If surgical dental treatments are pending, it is absolutely advisable to stop smoking completely during the healing period. As a dentist, I have unfortunately often experienced complications caused by smoking. These complications can be serious and I am sure no one wants to go through them. If you have to stop smoking for a few days or weeks, it will be much easier to limit the daily amount afterwards and stick to it. It just takes a little willpower and self-discipline.

Preventing tooth discoloration and deposits caused by smoking is undoubtedly easier to combat than other possible problems. In this context, Snow Pearl products certainly prove to be extremely helpful.

To achieve this goal, two crucial factors play a major role: firstly, thorough cleaning is required and secondly, the products used must greatly limit the formation of plaque. In particular, plaque, which later turns into tartar, causes most discoloration. Tartar has a very high porosity, it catches color pigments and deposits them in its structure. At this point, only a professional tooth cleaning by a dental hygienist or dentist is able to mechanically remove these hardened structures. However, if you can prevent the formation of plaque from the outset or at least significantly reduce it, you have already taken a big step in the right direction.

Proper oral hygiene and the use of suitable products are sufficient. Effective but gentle cleaning is crucial. The Ultra Soft KONEX HD toothbrushes from Snow Pearl are particularly suitable here as they can efficiently clean the tooth surfaces right into the gaps and slightly below the gum line. The bristles are elastic and soft so that neither gums nor tooth substance can be damaged.

Another essential component is the selection of a suitable toothpaste. This should have sufficient but not too aggressive cleaning properties and offer long-lasting protection against external influences. The PEARL SHIELD Gel toothpaste is recommended here as it enables thorough cleaning without scratching the tooth surface. Toothpastes that are too aggressive can remove discoloration but at the same time damage the tooth surface, which can create a vicious cycle of damaged surface and increased discoloration.

Pearl Shield Gel toothpaste also protects the tooth surface against tooth decay, acid effects and tooth sensitivity for up to 10-12 hours. It prevents the formation of plaque and tartar, which means that the teeth stay smooth and clean for longer. It is well known that teeth are less likely to discolor when they remain smooth and clean, and less tartar builds up on their surface. It is important to take a balanced approach to ensure healthy oral hygiene in the long term.

Dr. Lorenza Dahm