How Does Smoking Affect My Dental Health?
Smoking can have a serious effect on your overall health – but did you know that it specifically affects your dental health? If you smoke, it’s important to work with your dentist in Onalaska, WI, to take care of your teeth and gums.
The best thing you can do for your oral health is to stop smoking and using tobacco products. If you continue to smoke, you should be aware of how smoking can affect your dental health.
What Smoking Does to Dental Health
Smoking can affect your dental health in several ways.
- Increased chance of oral cancer: People who smoke have a greater chance of developing oral cancer than people who don’t.
- Slower healing after dental treatment: Smoking can affect your body’s ability to heal, and can increase how long it takes to heal after dental procedures. This increases your risk of infection and can lead to dental procedures failing.
- Increased risk of periodontal disease: People who smoke are at an increased risk of periodontal disease.
- Increased risk of permanent tooth loss: The effects of smoking can increase the risk that you will lose your permanent teeth.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Knowing the signs of periodontal disease can help you determine whether you need to see a dentist. Here are some of the symptoms to watch for:
- Red, puffy gums
- Gum recession
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Gums bleed easily
- Gums feel tender
When to See a Dentist for Periodontal Treatment in Onalaska, WI
If you smoke, watch for signs of periodontal disease. Work with your dentist if you need periodontal services in Onalaska, WI. At Valley Dental, we provide treatment for problems like gum disease to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
