The questions you need to ask about smoking and your oral health
Today is No Smoking Day 2018, dedicated to helping smokers give up for good. The impact on your oral health that smoking has is not something that many people consider as one of the main reasons to quit smoking. Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the UK’s leading oral health charity, the Oral Health Foundation, answered some questions about the hugely damaging effects smoking has on oral health.
From bad breath to cancer, here are the questions you need to be asking about smoking and oral health, and why you should consider quitting smoking in 2018.
How can smoking affect my oral health?
“You are probably aware that smoking is incredibly bad for your health. It causes many serious medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, many people don't realise the damage that smoking does to your mouth, gums and teeth. Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and, in more severe cases, mouth cancer.”
Why are my teeth stained?
“One of the effects of smoking is staining on the teeth due to the nicotine and tar in the tobacco. It can make your teeth yellow in a very short time, and heavy smokers often complain that their teeth are almost brown after years of smoking. But this is the least of your problems.”
How will smoking affect my gums and teeth?
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