Oral Hygiene For Smokers

16 November 2023

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.3 billion people use tobacco products today. Tobacco is a serious threat to the human body, regardless of the form in which it enters the body. It is most often found in the form of cigarettes and contains nicotine, which is addictive. Smoking has a negative effect on almost every organ in our body and increases the risk of various diseases.

How Does Tobacco Affect Oral Health?

For a charming smile and white shiny teeth, it is not enough to take care of the oral cavity and teeth at home, flossing and using antibacterial wipes. When smoking each cigarette, blowing tobacco smoke in the mouth and inhaling, the tooth enamel is significantly damaged - caries appear, the gums become irritated, and the teeth turn yellow, and often stomatitis develops. The most common reason for the development of stomatitis is mechanical damage to the mucous membrane (depending on external factors). At this time, bacteria that develop locally reach the oral cavity. Stomatitis mostly spreads in the form of painful erosions and ulcers. Tobacco also has a negative effect on the gums. Conducted studies have shown that nicotine narrows the blood vessels feeding the gums and tooth tissues, that is, the microcirculation (blood circulation) in the oral cavity is disturbed, the gum tissue thickens and the risk of premature decay or even loss of teeth increases. Tobacco use also interferes with the proper development of the post-implantation healing process. Nicotine in any form, whether it is contained in a cigarette or released from a nicotine patch, inhibits blood circulation. Accordingly, the oxygen supply and nutrition of the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity, including the bone and gum around the implant, is reduced, which naturally affects the process of healing and integration of the implant with the bone. Cigarette smoke also damages the salivary ducts and prevents their normal functioning. All this leads to a decrease in the secretion of saliva and dryness of the oral cavity. The dryness of the mucous membrane reduces its protective antibacterial function and, accordingly, an environment favorable for the multiplication of bacteria is created in the oral cavity.

How To Maintain Hygiene And Stop Using Tobacco Products?

How To Maintain Hygiene

Oral hygiene is especially important for tobacco users because smokers are at high risk of halitosis (bad breath). The professionals of our clinic recommend:

• Use a toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash suitable for your oral cavity.
• Using an oral irrigator is also very effective.
• Most importantly, schedule a visit to the dentist at least once every 6 months and have your mouth professionally cleaned.

Tips To Help You Quit Smoking

"Blits Dental - Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic" also presents tips developed by the American Cancer Society ACS to help you quit smoking and get back a white, healthy and charming smile:

• Think often about the reasons why you want to quit;
• Choose a stress-free time to quit smoking;
• Start doing exercises or activities every day to reduce stress and improve health;
• Get plenty of rest and eat balanced, vitamin-rich food;
• Participate in a smoking cessation program or other support group.

When Should We Consult A Doctor?

It is already well known to the general public that tobacco use is the main risk factor for oral cavity and many other cancers. "Blits Dental - Kakhaber Kharebava Dental Clinic" recommends that you pay special attention to your oral health and immediately consult a doctor if you experience the following symptoms.

• Swelling or thickening of the skin in the lining of the oral cavity;
• A white or reddish spot in the inner part of the mouth;
• Crooked teeth;
• Limitation of making a prosthesis;
• Tongue pain;
• Lower jaw pain and burning;
• Painful or difficult chewing and/or swallowing;
• Sensation that there is something in the throat.

Early diagnosis is crucial. For this purpose, it is necessary to periodically inspect all areas of the oral cavity by a dentist and, in case of tissue changes, conduct a biopsy.