Many people smoke, and vaping has become increasingly popular over the past few years. If you smoke or vape, have you considered the potential impact on your oral health in Oshawa?
Smoking and Tobacco Usage
Bad Breath and Tooth Discolouration
If you smoke, you are probably already aware that it gives you bad breath because of the chemicals present in tobacco products. Smoking and tobacco are also well known for causing tooth discolouration, which is due to nicotine and tar in these products. It’s often easy to spot the teeth of smokers because they look yellow or brown.
However, a far more serious risk is gum disease in Whitby.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common problem and is an infection caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar. If you smoke, your risk of developing gum disease increases significantly.
At the same time, smoking can mask the early symptoms of gum disease, which include bleeding gums. This is because smoking constricts the blood vessels in the gums, so they are less likely to bleed.
Gum disease can easily lead to tooth loss because it gradually destroys the structures that support your teeth. Eventually, they become loose and will either fall out or must be extracted.
Delayed Healing
Because gum disease constricts the blood vessels in your gums, it makes it harder for essential nutrients to be transported to them, which hinders your gums’ ability to fight infection or heal after dental treatments like dental implant surgery in Ajax.
Oral Cancer
Using any form of tobacco can increase the risk of oral cancer and changes to the tissues in your mouth.
Vaping
These products can contain harmful chemicals and nicotine, which can affect oral health.
Gum Disease
The chemicals found in the vapour can irritate your gums, causing inflammation, swelling and redness. This can increase the risk of gum disease and potentially tooth loss.
Dry Mouth or Xerostomia
Some vape products contain propylene glycol, which can lead to a lack of saliva. You need a good flow of saliva to keep your mouth clean, fresh and healthy. Saliva helps to neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria and washes away loose food particles. It helps to reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Tooth Decay
Some vape products have sweet flavours, which can increase the risk of cavities even though they don’t contain any sugar. These flavours can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria that cause cavities.
Protecting Your Oral Health While Vaping or Using Tobacco Products
Ideally, it is better to quit, but if this isn’t likely at the moment, there are actions you can take to help protect your oral health.
1. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups and Hygiene Appointments
Please visit Margolian Dentistry regularly for checkups and hygiene appointments, allowing us to monitor your oral health closely.
These visits are important so we can detect any small changes to your oral health and provide treatment earlier, helping to reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities.
During these visits, we can also provide regular oral cancer screenings, which are important for smokers and vapers.
Professionally cleaning your teeth gets rid of plaque and tartar buildup, again helping you to maintain stronger and healthier teeth and gums more easily.
2. Maintain Good Oral Care at Home
Ensure you brush twice daily and floss every day. Removing plaque and food debris will help you maintain good oral health more easily.
3. Stay Hydrated
Smoking and vaping can dry out your mouth, so make a habit of drinking plenty of water.