What is The Connection Between Smoking and Periodontal Disease?

It is not unknown that smoking is injurious to health, but did you know smoking contributes to your oral health degeneration most significantly?

Time and again, researchers have shown how smokers are more susceptive to gum disease than other people. Smoking weakens your body’s natural immune system and makes you vulnerable to other diseases as well. 

Proper oral care routine combined with regular dental checkups can help you manage these health concerns. 

This blog will provide you with detailed guidance on this.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease starts with a mild infection in the tissues supporting your teeth. At the initial stage, the gums appear slightly red and swollen. If you leave the condition untreated, it can lead to a severe type of infection, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. 

Common symptoms of gum disease are:

• Bad breath
• Sensitivity of gums
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums.

Often, these signs are not so prominent in smokers. In such cases, you need an assessment from a professional. If your dentist says you have a gum infection, then you need to start your periodontal disease treatment Glendora immediately. 

Connection Between Smoking and Periodontal Disease

The connection between smoking and periodontal disease never falls on the positive side. Smoking aggravates the condition of gum disease.

Here is how:

• Weak Immune System

Smoking weakens your body’s natural immune system, and it becomes difficult for your body to fight off the infections that cause gum disease. 

• Slow Healing

The chemicals in cigarettes limit the blood flow to your gums, and this further slows down the healing. It also allows the gum disease to progress.

• Bacteria Growth

When you smoke, it directly damages the gum tissue and promotes the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth.

• Challenges in Treatment

Continuous smoking hinders periodontal treatment and also affects the effectiveness of the process.

• Breakdown of Bone

Smoking also contributes to the loss of bone throughout the body, and of course, it also includes your gums. This further worsens the issue of gum disease.

• Mask Early Symptoms

One of the biggest problems with smoking is that it masks the early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding and swelling. It becomes difficult to identify the situation.

How to Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease If You are a Smoker?

Without any doubt, the best option is to quit smoking fully. However, if that is not possible, you can try managing the situation with these tips:

• Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
• Daily flossing between your teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush does not reach.
• Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the chances of bacterial growth and plaque buildup.
• Drink sufficient water so it produces enough saliva. Saliva helps wash away food particles from the mouth.
• At the same time, try quitting smoking once and for all.

Remember, if you are a smoker, you have twice the risk of getting gum disease than a non-smoker does. Hence, following your dentist’s advice becomes extremely crucial for a recovery.

Need more guidance on periodontal disease? Contact our dental office and get in touch with a professional.