Bad breath

Smoking causes bad breath, also known as halitosis. In smokers, tooth bacteria plaque buildup increases over time. Due to decrease in immunity and the sense of taste, formation of inflammation loci begin. It can also be observed that nicotine decreases saliva amount significantlyand this is why it increases gingival problems and caries formation over time.

Teeth stains

Heavy smoking over time causes brown stains, especially on the front teeth. These stains can not be removed by brushing the teeth. Moreover, smoking does not only cause tar stains but it also causes red stained inflammatory appearance on the palate and the tongue looks like it is covered in black hair.

Oral cancers

Doubtlessly, one of the biggest harms of smoking is the increase in likelihood of developing cancer. 70-75% of those who developed lung cancer in later years were smokers.The rate is 60% in oral cancers. Co-consumption of alcohol and nicotineincreases the risk of cancer 5 times.

Leukoplakia

Laymen call this disease “tongue burn of the smoker.” It is composed of white, lace like atypicalformations on the cheek and tongue. Its likelihood increases many times more in case of smoking. The main problem in leukoplakia isthat it might turn into cancer over time.

Mouth Sores

Not only do we observe aphthae formations frequently in smokers, but also after an extraction or an implant, wound healing is significantly delayed. We can even see that whena smoker who had their tooth pulled does not stop smoking for even one or two days, this will cause severe incessant pain.

Dt. Dilara ELMACI