The Harmful Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Your Smile

April 2022



Every time you light up, a bit of your oral health goes up in smoke. That news might be surprising. 

Surely you’ve heard the warnings about the general health problems linked to cigarette smoking, such as: 

• Emphysema
• Pregnancy complications
• Heart disease
• and more.

But are you aware that smoking is a real drag on your teeth and gums as well?

How Smoking Harms Your Oral Health

Although cigarette smoking is the most common form of smoking, all use of tobacco—inhaled, puffed, dipped, snuffed or chewed—can increase your risk of serious oral health conditions, some life-threatening.

• Tobacco stains your teeth an unattractive yellow. Granted, that’s more a question of aesthetics than oral health, but it could hamper your dating life and professional success.
• Smoking can cause chronic bad breath. Again, not a health threat to your teeth and gums per se (unless it’s a symptom of an underlying illness), but a quick way to repulse friends, colleagues and even loved ones.
• Smoking dries out your mouth. Now we’re talking real oral health risks.
  Without adequate saliva flow in your mouth, you are more likely to develop gum disease, which can lead to bone and tooth loss. Studies show that smokers have twice the risk for gum disease than non-smokers. The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke, the higher your risk.
• Nicotine clings to your teeth and increases your chance of tooth decay. Plaque and stains adhere to nicotine, a highly sticky substance, prompting the formation of acids that attack your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Daily brushing and flossing are essential to remove these stubborn stains and plaque buildup, so smokers typically need more frequent professional dental cleanings. If you smoke, ask your dentist how often you should schedule your dental appointments. 
• Smoking weakens your immune system, slowing down your body’s ability to heal. As a result, it has to work longer and harder (and not always successfully) to fight off gum and other infections. 
  
  There are two reasons why your immune system is compromised:

1. The toxins contained in tobacco products, i.e., nicotine and carbon monoxide
2. The reduced blood oxygen levels as a result of your decreased lung capacity 

• Tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer. In fact, smokers are 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers, and only 50 percent will survive after 5 years.
  
  Watch for these symptoms that could indicate oral cancer and discuss them with your dentist:

• Sores that last longer than 2 weeks
• Swelling, growths or lumps anywhere in or near your mouth or neck
• White or red patches in your mouth or on your lips
• Repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness

Every Type of Tobacco Can Damage Your Smile

Tobacco poses an equal-opportunity health risk even if you don’t inhale. You’ll want to know all about the oral health hazards if you smoke pipes or cigars, chew tobacco, or vape.

Spoiler alert: None are safer or healthier.  

Can Your Dentist Tell You’re Using Tobacco?

If you’re trying to hide your tobacco use, you probably won’t fool your dentist. They can smell the nicotine on you, notice the yellowing teeth, spot the dry mouth and diagnose the early (or advanced, depending on your last visit) stages of tooth decay and gum disease. They will also be able to detect sores, unusual white or red blotches and lumps and swellings. 

When asked about any of this, you’ll want to come clean. In fact, your dentist may be your strongest ally if you want to kick your nicotine habit. They can advise you on the changes you can make to maintain or improve your oral health and recommend resources to help you quit smoking.

Looking for Dental and Vision Insurance?

At Delta Dental, we’re your ally for healthy smiles. Our various insurance options for dental and vision for individuals, families and groups offer competitive rates, different levels of benefits and access to one of Arkansas’s largest networks of providers. Check us out.