Smokers sometimes need a rude awakening as a reason to kick the habit and quit smoking completely. Some medical studies have proved one of the strongest ties exists between smoking and the onset of periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, this chronic condition is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting structures surrounding the teeth.
Habitual smoking and periodontal disease are even more closely linked than heart attacks and gum disease. People between the ages of 30 and 60 are most commonly affected by the onset of periodontal disease and can be treated early to prevent the use of invasive procedures that might include laser surgery or the LANAPs, Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure.
Because of the presence of carcinogens inhaled with the smoke, the teeth and gums are coated with toxins for long periods of time unless the teeth are brushed frequently. The long term presence of these substances will weaken the immunity in the mouth, and gum disease will develop quickly. Mineral and vitamin levels are eroded so the building blocks of the body are not present to strengthen the defenses. One of the earliest indicators of gum disease is the loosening of the teeth.
The sulcus, the gap resembling a “V” between the teeth is targeted by periodontal disease. When the sulcus is weakened, the tooth begins to detach. Gums bleed first, and then the teeth begin to loosen. Whenever a smoker notices sensitive areas of the mouth, redness or swollen areas of the gums, and persistent halitosis, a dental examination is required. Cleaning the teeth and implementing a daily oral hygiene regimen can slow the onset of gum disease.
Smokers do not like to be reminded of the impact their smoking habit is having on their health, so convincing them to visit the dentist is nearly impossible. One of the barriers to going to the dentist regularly is hearing from a professional that their habit is consistently eroding their overall health and putting them at risk of heart attack and stroke.
Instead of brushing the teeth, a smoker will use harsh mouthwashes to simply freshen the breath, but instead the alcohol will impact gum health and cause irritation. The better approach is to brush often throughout the day and floss prior to bed. Regular dental examinations and cleanings can reduce the risk of gum disease without having to use invasive and painful dental procedures. Gum disease prevention is painless and will reduce the risk of other health problems.
If a smoker wants to be in the rare position of keeping all of his adult teeth for life, oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings are the easiest methods to implement. Smokers who ignore their oral health are likely to develop gum disease and when that condition is ignored, other conditions can result. Diabetes and gum disease are just as closely linked as smoking and gum disease. Nothing prevents one person from developing multiple major health problems related to gum disease which could have been prevented through daily oral hygiene. Few smokers live their entire lives without major health problems that may have started with the onset of gum disease.
