Tobacco use is a danger to your oral health. Recent research indicates that tobacco use could be one of the most important factors that stimulate the development and advancement of periodontal disease and oral cancer. Also, after treatment for periodontal disease or any kind of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can delay the healing process and affect treatment results.
Contrary to nonsmokers, smokers are more likely to have:
- Bone loss
- Calculus (plaque that has hardened)
- Deep pockets between the gums and teeth
Calculus can only be removed during a professional cleaning. If not the bacteria accumulate below the gum line, which can destroy tissue and cause your gums to recede. This enables periodontal pockets, filled with bacteria to form. If not treated, tooth loss may occur.
Smokeless tobacco and cigars are also harmful to periodontal health. A study featured in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association www.ada.org affirmed that cigar smokers experience alveolar bone and tooth loss at rates equal to cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers beware. The study revealed that pipe smokers lose tooth at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.
Click here for more information on the relationship between smoking and periodontal disease from the American Academy of Periodontology.