National No Smoking Day- 14th March 2018

Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for their health. It can cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, many people don’t realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth.

Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases mouth cancer.

Here at Carriage Works Dental Practice, we would strongly advise that if you smoke you regularly check your own mouth in-between dental check-ups and if you suspect anything to contact us immediately. Symptoms to look out for include ulcers that are unable to heal. A constant sore throat. Lumps and nodules in the mouth. Red or white patches. Difficulty swallowing and moving your tongue. Numbness inside the mouth and swelling around the neck and jawline.

Smoking can also lead to gum disease. People who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and causes gum disease to get worse more quickly than in non-smokers. Gum disease is still the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

If it is support and encouragement you need to kick that bad habit into touch, then National No Smoking Day on the 14th March could just be the incentive you need. And remember, if you decide to quit smoking you can greatly reduce the risks to your dental health too.

Speak to your dentist about smoking cession advice or visit https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree