Smoking tobacco is one of the greatest threats to human health, including the health of the mouth. Nicotine, the substance contained in tobacco, affects the human body negatively, which results in serious consequences for oral health. In this article we discuss the effect of nicotine on oral health and the effects of smoking tobacco.
Oral cancer
Smoking tobacco is one of the main risk factors for the development of cancer of the lip and tongue. The toxins contained in tobacco and the rise in temperature while inhaling the smoke damage the cells in the mouth, which leads to changes in the tissues and the formation of tumours. People who smoke cigarettes are at a 6-times higher risk of developing oral cancer than people who do not smoke, and when smoking is combined with drinking alcohol the risk is highest.
Nicotine and gum inflammation
Nicotine is harmful to the health of the gums for several reasons.
Firstly, it reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the tissues of the mouth. This leads to hypoxia, which in turn results in a weakening of the body's immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. In the case of gum inflammation, this infection leads to an inflammatory state that can cause redness and bleeding of the gums.
Secondly, nicotine reduces the absorption of vitamin C by the body. This vitamin is essential for healthy gums, because it is needed for the production of collagen, which keeps the gum tissues in place. A lack of vitamin C leads to a weakening of the gum tissue, which makes it more susceptible to infection.
Thirdly, nicotine causes dry mouth, which is harmful to gum health. The production of saliva is important for maintaining oral health, because it helps remove bacteria and food remnants. A lack of an adequate amount of saliva leads to a reduction in the amount of ions that strengthen the teeth and gums.
Do milk teeth need to be cared for?
Of course. Healthy milk teeth are the beginning of healthy permanent teeth. Milk teeth with decay can "infect" the permanent teeth, which will start to decay as soon as they erupt – and they are, after all, programmed to be with us for life. There is a myth that "milk teeth do not hurt". Unfortunately, in the case of deep defects or the formation of purulent conditions around dead teeth, the pain can turn out to be very great. Moreover, early extractions of milk molars lead to consequences in the form of orthodontic defects. Every focus of decay is a focus of inflammation, a disease that should not be underestimated, because it affects the whole body, lowering immunity and contributing even to a more frequent occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections.
Where does decay come from?
Decay is an infectious, transmissible disease. Under the influence of sugars from the diet, bacteria create acids that dissolve the hardest tissue of our body, i.e. the enamel, and then the dentine. This leads to consequences in the form of pulp inflammation. Every tooth with decay is an inflammatory state. The bacteria in a child's mouth are passed on by parents – through kisses or licking the dummy. Decay too is passed on not only from one tooth to another but also between people. More on the mechanism of the disease in the article "How a tooth gets sick".
Conclusions
These conclusions are confirmed by numerous studies which have shown a link between smoking tobacco and gum inflammation. If symptoms of gum inflammation appear, such as bleeding gums when brushing the teeth or gum pain, you should contact a dentist without delay. Diagnosing and curing the disease at an early stage can reduce or completely eliminate the unpleasant consequences.
Increased risk of periodontal disease
Smoking tobacco causes a narrowing of the blood vessels in the mouth, which limits the blood supply to the gum tissues and the jaw bone. Progressive gum inflammation causes the development of periodontal inflammation, otherwise known as periodontosis. This is a serious condition leading to the destruction of the tissues surrounding the tooth. It results in the formation of gum pockets, the exposure of tooth roots, the loosening of teeth and even their loss. More on the effects of neglect in the article "Untreated teeth".
Other oral diseases
Smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing oral diseases such as aphthous stomatitis and candidiasis. Smokers are also more prone to bacterial and viral infections.
Oral thrush (candidiasis) is caused by the excessive growth of Candida fungi, which are naturally present in our body. Candida can spread and grow in the mouth when certain favourable conditions exist.
Symptoms of oral thrush:
- white or creamy patches on the tongue, palate, cheeks or gums;
- burning or discomfort in the mouth;
- dry mouth;
- difficulty swallowing or a feeling of pressure in the throat;
- changes in taste.
Changes in the appearance of the mouth
Smoking tobacco causes the formation of brown spots and yellow discolourations on the teeth, tongue and oral mucosa. It can also lead to an unpleasant taste and smell in the mouth.
How to avoid the effects of smoking on oral health?
The best way to avoid the effects is to stop smoking completely. If that is difficult, it is worth minimising the number of cigarettes smoked and seeking help in quitting the habit. Studies show that regular check-up visits to the dentist can detect any changes in the mouth at an early stage.
1. Set a goal
Before deciding to quit smoking cigarettes, it is worth setting a goal we want to achieve. This can be, for example, the desire to improve health, to regain freedom from the habit or financial savings. The motivation to quit smoking is important, as it will help us in difficult moments.
2. Prepare a plan
After setting a goal, it is worth preparing a plan that will help us achieve the intended goal. The plan may include the use of various methods, such as reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day and gradually limiting smoking, as well as lifestyle changes, such as a more active lifestyle or a balanced diet rich in nutrients and vitamins.
3. Support yourself
It is important that we do not remain alone in the fight against the habit. It is worth using the help of specialists, such as a psychologist and addiction specialists. It is also worth talking to friends, family and loved ones who will support us in difficult moments.
4. Avoid temptations
During the fight against the habit it is very important to avoid situations that tempt us to reach for a cigarette. One can, for example, limit visits to places where people smoke, avoid stressful situations or change existing habits, e.g. start swimming, running or meditating.
5. Introduce lifestyle changes
The decision to quit smoking is a good moment to introduce positive changes into your lifestyle. You can start actively playing sport, eating healthily, meditating or doing yoga. It is worth focusing on your passions and spending time developing them. All this will allow us to effectively counteract the stress that is often the reason for reaching for a cigarette.
Studies
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Smoking Cessation on Periodontal and Peri-Implant Health Status: A Systematic Review
Caggiano M., Gasparro R., D'Ambrosio F., Pisano M., Di Palo M. P., Contaldo M. (2022) · Dentistry Journal · systematic review
After stopping smoking, periodontal measurements can improve and the response to periodontal treatment is better. The benefit is not immediate, but the direction of the findings consistently supports smoking cessation advice in the surgery.
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Smoking, Smoking Cessation, and Risk of Tooth Loss
Dietrich T., Walter C., Oluwagbemigun K., Bergmann M., Pischon T., Pischon N., Boeing H. (2015) · Journal of Dental Research · large cohort study
Over years of follow-up, smokers lost teeth more often than people who had never smoked, and the risk rose with how much they smoked. After quitting, the risk fell gradually, though reaching the level of never-smokers took time.
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Effect of tobacco on periodontal disease and oral cancer
Zhang Y., He J., He B., Huang R., Li M. (2019) · Tobacco Induced Diseases · narrative review and evidence synthesis
Smoking alters the oral microbiome, weakens the host response and promotes periodontitis. It also increases the risk of oral cancer, which makes stopping smoking one of the most important preventive steps.