Effects of Tobacco Use on the Teeth

Tobacco has taken a staggering toll on the dental health of its users. Tobacco has been linked to gum disease, tooth decay, increased need for root canals, a higher risk of complications after dental procedures, and delayed healing. It has also been implicated in many oral cancers and pre-cancers. If you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to take extra precautions to protect your smile.

Studies have long shown the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting. Within just twenty minutes of your last cigarette, your pulse and blood pressure return to normal. Within twelve hours, carbon monoxide levels drop, and your blood oxygen levels become normal again. Two days after your final cigarette, your senses of taste and smell will begin to return, and your nerve endings will regrow. You might feel irritable and angry as a result of nicotine withdrawal, but these feelings will soon go away. Just seventy-two hours after your last nicotine dose, your body will be one hundred percent nicotine-free. You might still have cravings, but your body will start to recover and relax. In particular, breathing will likely become easier, and your lungs will be in the process of healing.

As time goes on, your body will continue to heal, including your smile. Your immune system will recover, and your risk of oral disease will decline. If you have suffered from stains due to nicotine, this can be a great time to whiten your teeth so that you can start this new chapter in your life with a smile that looks as good as it feels. We can help you get started on the road to a tobacco-free life. Call us today to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning with our team.

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