Every year 750,000 smokers try to quit on No Smoking Day but for the last six years the number of smokers in the UK has stalled at 20% - leaving 10 million smokers left. Smoking is one of the most damaging things a human can do to their body and is responsible for 30% of all cancer related deaths.
A cigarette releases a dangerous cocktail of around 4,000 chemicals including 70 cancer-causing chemicals, hundreds of poisons, and nicotine. Some of the chemicals and poisons include those used in batteries (Cadmium), industrial solvents (Benzene), fertilisers (Ammonia), dyes, paints, and alloys (Chromium), and even chemicals usually found in mortuaries (Formaldehyde).
Most people are now aware smoking is extremely bad for our health - resulting in a variety of medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, some people remain unaware the damage smoking causes to their mouth, gums, teeth and overall dental health. Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, staining of the teeth and in severe cases, mouth cancer.
Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease - which is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Smoking affects the gums because it causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, meaning any infected gums will fail to heal. Since smoking causes people to have more dental plaque, gum disease tends to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers.
Smoking also causes lung, throat, and mouth cancer. Every year thousands of people die from cancers caused by smoking. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer kills roughly 1 person each hour of the day. Carcinogens in cigarettes cause uncontrolled cell growth, leading to pre-cancer (red and white sore areas within the moth), and ultimately cancer.
Bad breath, tooth discolouration, and changes in the way you taste and smell are all side-effects of smoking.
What can be done?
It goes without saying but the best solution is to STOP SMOKING. In addiction there are some things you can do that will protect and preserve your dental health.
-See one of our dentist’s regularly and receive an oral cancer screening in addition to a routine examination and cleaning
-Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day
-Floss your teeth twice daily
-If you’re suffering from stained teeth, ask one of our dentists about teeth whitening
If you’re concerned about the damage smoking is doing to your oral health and would like more information on how to deal with the situation, please contact us for more advice.
01227 463574 | reception@smilecentres.net
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