There are a whole host of reasons why you should stop smoking: reduce your risk for cancer, live longer, improve how your breath smells. Yet, in case you need another incentive to stop smoking, it can save your smile!
The moment you stop smoking, your oral health will immediately improve. Tobacco is a product that irritates the gum tissues within the mouth. The moment you either spit it out or choose not to put it in your mouth, your gums will begin healing themselves. Many people overlook the importance of healthy gums, yet the gums play a vital role in your oral health and for your smile. The gum tissues protect the roots of the teeth and help to stabilize the teeth in the jaw bone. Every time you smoke or chew tobacco, you are weakening the gum tissues and causing your entire mouth to become extremely susceptible to decay and disease. The moment you stop smoking and using tobacco is the moment your mouth becomes healthier. The human body is an incredible machine that wants to protect itself and promote its own health. Once you make the decision to stop smoking, your body will begin going to work to heal the damage that has been done.
Brushing and flossing do little to combat the damaging effects of tobacco use. If you want to protect your smile so that it lasts you your entire life, the choice to stop smoking is the first decision you need to make. Serious concerns are directly caused by tobacco use:
- Stained teeth
- Foul breath
- Plaque buildup
- Tartar buildup
- Tooth decay
- Leukoplakia
- Oral cancer
- Jaw bone deterioration
- Tooth loss
If you smoke or use any type of tobacco, now is the time to stop. Your dentist is often your best source for quitting smoking, and at Gold Hill Dentistry we want to help you in any way we can. If you are ready to make your oral health a priority, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you break the habit and restore your health.