Did you know that quitting smoking can contribute to a healthy mouth? Of course you are aware that smoking can cause lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Less well known is the influence of smoking on oral health. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. The positive effect is already visible in your mouth two to six weeks after quitting smoking.

During smoking, all kinds of harmful substances are released, including tar and nicotine. Tar is the most important element in the development of cancer. Nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and has a direct effect on the body. Nicotine narrows blood vessels, speeds up the heart rate and raises blood pressure. The activity of the immune cells in the blood decreases. The consequences of smoking do not only extend to the heart and lungs. All tissues that come into direct contact with tobacco smoke can be damaged.

Plaque forms on and between your teeth and on the transition to the gums. This hardly visible white-yellowish layer consists of bacteria and products of bacteria. Plaque that is not removed can harden and calcify into tartar. New plaque easily adheres to tartar. Dental plaque is the cause of inflamed gums. Inflamed gums are painful and bleed when touched, for example with a toothbrush. Smokers often have more plaque and tartar than non-smokers. So more chance of gum disease. In addition, gum infections are often more serious in them and treatment is usually less successful.

Nicotine narrows the blood vessels in the gums. Smoking thus suppresses the symptoms of gum disease. The inflamed gums of smokers bleed less quickly than those of non-smokers. That is why gingivitis is more difficult to detect in them. The narrowing of the blood vessels also causes the blood flow to the gums to be reduced. This reduces the defense against bacteria in the dental plaque. Smoking also negatively affects wound healing.

Inflammation normally increases the number of blood vessels in the gums and they widen. The gums turn red, swell and bleed easily when you brush or eat your teeth. This rarely happens in smokers. That is why the inflammation is easily overlooked in them. As a result, it can spread almost unnoticed and even affect the jawbone. Smoking therefore ensures that the gingivitis heals less quickly and that the jawbone shrinks further. Smokers are therefore more likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers.

An implant is an artificial root that is attached to the jaw bone. Lost teeth or molars are replaced with this. A crown, bridge or prosthesis is placed on the implant. After the implant is placed, the gums close nicely around it. The implant must be firmly seated in the bone. The risk of failure is almost three times greater in smokers than in non-smokers. Many dentists are therefore reluctant to recommend implants to smokers.

Smoking can discolor your teeth, molars and filling materials. You can compare smoke deposits with that of coffee or tea. Smoke deposits are much more difficult to remove. Smoking also makes cleaning dentures more difficult.

Smokers smell and taste less well than non-smokers. Smoking is also one of the common causes of bad breath. If you stop smoking, these effects will quickly diminish.

Smokers are more likely to develop abnormalities in the tissues of the mouth, tongue and throat that may lead to oral cancer. The chance of developing cancer in the oral cavity is even two to four times greater. Those who smoke and use alcohol are at an increased risk.

The beneficial effect is already visible in your mouth two to six weeks after quitting smoking. The condition of your gums will not deteriorate further. The results of a gum treatment will also be better. Gum bleeding may temporarily increase after smoking cessation. Good oral hygiene ensures that this problem disappears quickly. Your dentist or dental hygienist can help you with this. To successfully quit, it is important that you yourself are well motivated. Have you decided to stop? Congratulations! You have a better chance of success if you use a tool. You will find more information www.ikstopnu.nl