Effects of Smoking and Vaping on Your Oral Health

Milton Keynes dentist Dr Sukal Verma on the downsides of smoking and vaping

As a dentist in Milton Keynes, our team often see patients who smoke or vape. Smoking and vaping can have a significant impact on dental health, as they expose the mouth and throat to harmful chemicals that can cause a range of problems. Here are some of the ways that smoking and vaping can affect oral health:

Stained teeth

Smoking and vaping can cause teeth to become discoloured, yellowed, or browned. This is because the chemicals in tobacco and vape liquids can stick to the enamel on teeth and cause stains that are difficult to remove with regular brushing and cleaning.

Bad breath

Smoking and vaping can cause bad breath or halitosis. This is because they can dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production. Saliva helps to clean the mouth and neutralise odours, so when there is less of it, bad breath can occur.

Gum disease

Smoking and vaping can increase the risk of gum disease, which can cause bleeding, swelling, and pain in the gums. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on teeth and gums, and smoking and vaping can make this buildup more likely to occur.

Tooth loss

Gum disease, combined with the effects of smoking and vaping, can increase the risk of tooth loss. This is because gum disease can cause the gums to recede and the bone supporting the teeth to weaken.

Oral cancer

Smoking and vaping are both linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, which can affect the lips, tongue, throat, and other areas of the mouth. This is because the chemicals in tobacco and vape liquids can damage cells in the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of cancer.

Quitting smoking and vaping is the best way to protect dental health. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can also help to catch any issues early on and prevent more serious problems from developing. If you are a smoker or vaper, speak to your dentist about ways to quit and protect your oral health.

To book your dental check-up in Milton Keynes call us on 01908 260757 or contact us here.