It is widely known that tobacco smoking is harmful to health. Inhaling carcinogenic agents is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco is also the leading risk factor for lung and laryngeal cancer; about 85% of lung-cancer patients are smokers.
However, the damage tobacco causes to oral health is not as well known. The most immediate effects of smoking include bad breath, increased tartar (calculus), and yellow discoloration of the teeth. When smoking is frequent and long-term, the effects range from developing periodontal disease to tooth loss and even oral cancer.
After dental plaque, tobacco is the most important risk factor for developing periodontal disease. Tobacco does not cause it directly, but it significantly worsens it. Smokers respond less favorably to periodontal treatment and have a higher relapse rate of periodontitis.
Mechanisms by Which Tobacco Worsens Periodontal Disease
- Reduced blood flow to the gums, limiting delivery of essential nutrients.
- Increased monocytes in the bloodstream, which can impair clearance of oral pathogens.
- Exposure of certain lymphocytes (B and T cells) to tobacco reduces their proliferation and the production of protective immunoglobulins against oral pathogens.
As a result, bacteria accumulate around the teeth and gums, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets, which increases the likelihood of gum recession and loss of the supporting bone around teeth.
The best advice a dentist can give a smoker is to quit. If quitting is very difficult, a significant reduction in consumption is recommended.
Smokers must be meticulous with oral hygiene to minimize the risk of developing periodontitis. It is also advisable to reinforce other lifestyle measures such as physical activity and a balanced diet to support overall health.
This article explains how smoking aggravates periodontal disease and worsens treatment response. While quitting tobacco is always the main recommendation, it is especially important for smokers to attend regular periodontal checkups. This text is informative; only a professional evaluation can determine the state of your oral health.
If you smoke, a periodontal checkup is an important part of your care. Schedule an evaluation. Contact us via WhatsApp, phone call, or through our form.
