As you probably have already guessed, smoking is bad for the body. But did you know that smoking is bad for the mouth? Well, it’s true. This is why our dentist, Dr. Michael Doty, encourages you to avoid smoking at all costs. Smoking can severely damage your teeth, gums, and smile in more ways than you might realize.
Smoking can play a key role in the development of several oral diseases and lesions. One common disease it can promote is gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most serious and dangerous dental issues in the world today. It can cause infected gums and loose and lost teeth. Another common disease that is associated with smoking is oral cancer. This disease could destroy your entire mouth, affect your body, and even kill you.
Some smaller but still important ways smoking can affect the mouth is by causing:
-Smoker’s palate
-Hairy tongue
-Oral thrush
-Tooth decay
-Tooth discoloration
-Bad breath
-The inability to smell and taste
-Smoker’s melanosis
For more information on smoking and how it can affect your oral health in Abingdon, Virginia, please contact Michael D. Doty, DDS today at 276-628-6251. When you contact our office, our dental team will be happy to tell you more so you can fully understand the ways smoking can affect the smile.