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What Does Tobacco and Nicotine Do to Your Gums?
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Posted on 6/10/2019 by Todd Jorgenson |
If you use tobacco products, either chewing tobacco, smoking cigarettes or pipes or cigars, you should know that your lungs are not the only part of your health that you are putting at risk. Aside from the increased risk of various kinds of cancers, smoking and tobacco products cause damage to your oral health and put you at risk for developing periodontal disease.
Tobacco and Your Oral HealthWhen you regularly use tobacco products, you greatly increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, or gum disease. Periodontal disease is when your gum line begins receding. While it is not curable, it is treatable and even preventable.
When the gums begin to recede, they not only change the appearance of your smile by exposing more of the tooth area, they leave behind little pockets of space under the gum line. These pockets are ideal breeding grounds for such things as plaque, tartar and bacteria. Because these pockets are located below the gum line, it can be difficult, if not impossible for you to adequately clean them at home. This leads to bacteria growth if left untreated and eventually can lead to decay and tooth loss.
Nicotine is the most common addictive chemical associated with tobacco products and it affects the bones and soft tissue of your mouth. This irritation can lead to infection, decay and even more complicated issues. Not to mention, nicotine inhibits the production of saliva, which is the mouth's natural way to rid the mouth of bacteria and food debris. If you are not producing enough saliva, this can lead to problems like dry mouth, bacteria buildup and tooth decay.
If you are a regular user of tobacco products and you would like to learn more about quitting, please don't hesitate to call our office and schedule a checkup. We are happy to work with you in kicking the habit!
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