Although less talked about than the effects of smoking on your heart and lungs, the effects smoking can have on your oral health is just as important to recognize and understand.  

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) smoking and other tobacco use cause stained teeth, bad breath and a loss of sense of taste. Over time, smoking can hinder your immune system, and can reduce your ability to recover after surgery. Because of this, smoking is also one of the most significant risk factors associated with gum or periodontal disease, which causes inflammation around the tooth. This irritation can affect the bone and other supporting structures, and its advanced stages can result in tooth loss.

The use of tobacco, especially smokeless tobacco, increases your risk of oral cancer as well, which can be aggressive due to the abundance of blood vessels and lymph nodes in your head and neck.

Ultimately, the effects of smoking on teeth can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, and pose a challenge with restorative dentistry and  gum recession can cause more problems with crowns and other restorations.

Ready to quit?  Check out the American Lung Association’s 5 secrets to be successful in your new smoke-free lifestyle.