Smoking and vaping are two ways to deliver nicotine and other chemicals into your body. Nicotine is highly addictive and toxic; that’s why health professionals discourage their patients from both smoking and vaping.
Everyone knows smoking and vaping can cause serious health issues and harm your heart and lungs, but have you ever considered the impact on your oral health? Please keep reading to learn more about it.
Smoking and Your Oral Health: What You Need to Know
According to the National Library of Medicine, smoking puts you at a higher risk for the following oral health issues:
- Periodontal disease — When you smoke, you are more likely to develop gum irritation, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Tooth loss — When gum disease is left untreated, it could result in tooth loss.
- Tooth decay — Smoking can promote plaque and tartar buildup, leading to cavities.
- Mouth cancer — Smoking is one of the biggest causes of mouth cancer.
- Slower healing time — If you smoke, it’s harder for your immune system to fight infections. So, after dental work, your healing time could be longer.
- Complications after dental work — Because you may not heal as quickly after dental treatment, you may be more likely to develop a dry socket.
Vaping and Oral Health: What You Need to Know
According to the American Heart Association, the chemicals in electronic cigarettes could lead to these oral health concerns:
- Periodontal disease — Nicotine restricts the blood flow to your gums, and this can lead to gum disease. Additionally, some of the chemicals in e-cigarette liquid also increase the risk of periodontal disease.
- Tooth decay — Electronic cigarettes can lead to cavities because the vape juice can create a sticky substance and increase the bacteria in your mouth.
- Bone loss — Vaping can lead to decreased bone density due to the inflammation it causes.
- Oral cancer — When you vape, the chemicals in your e-cig could cause oral cancer.
Want to Learn More about Oral Health in Durham, NC?
If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, we are here for you! At The Smile Shop, our top priority is helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. Contact our dental office at (919) 941-5549 to schedule a consultation or appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you.