Nobody in this day and age can argue that smoking cigarettes is a good choice for your health. Lung cancer is a well-known potential consequence and there is plenty of information out there about how damaging cigarettes can be to your overall health.
City Dental Centers wants to remind our patients why smoking is more specifically a bad idea when it comes to your oral health. We are happy to present this article with some of the effects that smoking can have on the oral health of those who choose to participate in this dangerously unhealthy habit.
Basic Side Effects of Smoking on Oral Health
While these side effects are cause for concern, these are just some of the serious side effects of smoking:
Discoloration of the teeth- Increased buildup of tartar and plaque on the teeth
- Bad breath
- Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
- Increased loss of bone within the jaw
- Increased risk of leukoplakia, or white patches in the mouth
- Dental implant procedures have a lower success rate
- Delayed healing process for many dental procedures
These side effects alone are pretty serious, but we will dive further into a couple more you should be especially concerned about: gum disease and oral cancer.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Not only does gingivitis and gum disease cause the gums to bleed, but the condition can be especially painful and eventually result in lost teeth if not treated effectively. Smoking substantially increases the risk of developing gingivitis and gum disease. This is exponentially worse if smoking is combined with other bad oral health habits, such as not brushing and flossing regularly or consuming large amounts of alcohol.
Oral Cancer
Because of all the ways that smoking deteriorates the teeth and gums, there is a much higher risk of developing oral cancer as well when you are a smoker compared to being a non-smoker.
Symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A white or red patch in the mouth
- An irritation, sore, thick patch, or lump in the lip, mouth, or throat
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- A feeling as though something is caught in the throat
- Numbness of any areas of the mouth, including the tongue
- Pain in one ear without the loss of hearing
- Swelling of the jaw
If you suspect that you have oral cancer, it is important to see a dentist immediately and to cut back or eliminate any contributing behaviors if you can. Oral cancer can result in devastating effects to your oral health. While prevention through being proactive is the best way to protect yourself, if you have oral cancer, early treatment is the next best thing.
City Dental Centers is here for all your oral health concerns. For questions, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call or click one of the links below!
Convenient Dentist Offices in Southern California
Doctor Sam Shahovesi and the team at City Dental Centers are here to provide our patients with the best dental services and dental surgeries for children and adults of all ages. From toddlers to seniors, City Dental Centers offers six convenient dentist offices in Southern California. We even have a dedicated children’s dentist office, City Dental Kids & Braces, to cater to the special physical and emotional needs of children.
Whether you need checkups, x-rays, braces, bonding, teeth whitening, sealants, oral cancer screenings, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, or tooth extraction, City Dental Centers is here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Contact The Nearest Dentist to You
Ready to experience the best dentists in Los Angeles? Choose one of the convenient dental offices we have surrounding LA. We have dental practices in Azusa, Corona, Lake Forest, Montclair, Pico Rivera, and West Covina. You can call our main line at (888) 624-8933 or reach out to an office directly with the information below. We’re so happy you’ve chosen City Dental Centers. We can’t wait to help you along your dental journey and brighten your beautiful smile!
Dentist in Azusa, CA
Location: 483 S. Citrus Ave. Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: (626) 966-3400
Dentist in Corona, CA
Location: 161 McKinley St. STE 102, Corona, CA 92879
Phone: (951) 737-3746
Dentist in Lake Forest, CA
Location: 24602 Raymond Way #210, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Phone: (949) 461-5800
Dentist in Montclair, CA
Location: 5182 Moreno St, Montclair, CA 91763
Phone: (909) 295-3477
Dentist in Pico Rivera, CA
Location: 9400 Whittier Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Phone: (562) 949-2526
Dentist in West Covina, CA
Location: 154 Plaza Dr, West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: (626) 962-1722