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Kicking the Habit: The Link between Smoking and Oral Conditions

The British Dental Health Foundation noted that while people in the U.K. are aware that smoking causes cancer in the lungs and throat, only a few know that it could likewise lead to oral cancer and gum disease. Many do not realise how smoking damages the mouth, teeth and gums until it is too late for them. As your dentist, we do our best to make sure that this will not happen to you.

Smoking and Gum Disease

Smoking supresses the immune system, leaving your gums more prone to infection. Smokers have higher exposure to the most common bacteria involved in gum disease—aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, porphyromonas gingivalis and prevotella intermedia—than non-smokers.

Research shows that smoking promotes the production of bacterial plaque, reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and changes how the body responds to bacteria. If you have infected gums, it might take a while for them to heal or they might not heal at all.

Smoking and Oral Cancer

Nicotine and other substances present in tobacco have detrimental effects to the body. Your body’s system responds to bacteria through inflammation, and neutrophil granulocytes (white blood cells) play an important role in protecting you from oral infections. Due to the effects of nicotine, only a few neutrophils reach parts of the mouth that they need to protect.

About 2,000 people in the U.K. die every year because of oral cancer. What is sad about this figure is that patients could have prevented this if they consulted their dentists regularly. Our team of dental professionals can detect early signs of oral cancer and give you treatment to promote a healthier mouth.

At Parbold Dental Practice, we see to it that your teeth and gums are in good health. We understand the risks of smoking and if you want to quit, we can give you the necessary information and support. Contact us to schedule your regular check-ups and mouth cancer screening today.