You’ve probably been told that smoking can have a negative impact on your health, but did you know that smoking can also affect your oral health? While you probably know that smoking can yellow your teeth, did you know that you may also experience other issues? Similarly, would you be surprised to learn that e-cigarettes can also influence your smile?
You see, smoking can actually lead to bad breath, and can kill the good bacteria in your mouth. If you lose these good bacteria, you’ll be more vulnerable to infections and a number of other problems. Similarly, without the good bacteria in your mouth, bad bacteria can leave you more vulnerable to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. If you smoke, you may also be more susceptible to oral cancer and tooth loss.
As you may know, many people prefer to use e-cigarettes. However, because e-cigarettes use nicotine, they can impact your teeth. You see, nicotine can lead to receding gum lines, which can actually lead to gum disease. E-cigarettes can also cause swollen, red, and tender gums. Sadly, these are common symptoms of gum disease, meaning smoking can make gum disease more difficult to recognize. E-cigarettes can also dry out your mouth, which can also upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth.
If you’re interested in learning more about the care you can receive from our team, or about how smoking can affect your smile in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we invite you to give Ravago Dental a call at 505.292.6414 . Our dentist, Dr. Melissa Ravago, and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon!