How Does Smoking Affect Your Oral Health? 
People who smoke are at risk for oral health problems. Cigarettes and tobacco can cause gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss.1 They also have a higher risk for complications following mouth surgery and tooth removal.
Smoking affects your teeth and other structures in the mouth. The most common oral health problems affecting people who smoke are:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Oral cancer
- Smoker’s keratosis (whitening of the mouth’s soft tissues)
- Dry socket (poor wound healing after tooth extraction)
- Tooth loss
- Tooth decay
- Tooth discoloration
- Leukoplakia (white patches inside the mouth)
- Decreased sense of taste
- Buildup of tartar and plaque on the teeth
- Bad breath
- Increased risk of bone loss in the jaw
- Complications following dental implant procedures and gum and mouth surgery
Quitting smoking improves overall oral health, reduces the risk of oral cancer and gum disease, decreases the risk of complications after an oral procedure, and improves response to oral treatment.
Link Between Smoking and Tooth Decay
Smoking can cause serious damage to the mouth. It supports tartar, plaque, and bacteria buildup, which leads to the development of cavities. Large cavities present along the gum line can weaken the teeth and cause tooth decay.
One of the most familiar effects of smoking is tooth decay. Untreated tooth decay is common.
More than 40% of adults (20 to 60 years old) who currently smoke cigarettes have been diagnosed with untreated tooth decay.2
Eventually, untreated tooth decay will lead to other infections and pain, which may require a root canal or tooth extraction.
Signs of Tooth Decay
Poor oral health can cause bacteria buildup in the mouth. These bacteria produce acids that attack the tooth’s enamel, or surface. As a result, tooth decay develops.
Untreated tooth decay can lead to cavities. Depending on their extent and location, the signs and symptoms may vary. However, if a cavity is in its early stages, a person may not feel any symptoms.
As tooth decay progresses, the signs and symptoms may include:
- Visible pits or holes in the tooth
- White, black, or brown stained teeth
- Tooth sensitivity (pain that may range from mild to sharp when drinking or eating something hot, cold, or sweet)
- Toothache
- Pain when biting down
Approximately 2.3 billion people have cavities of permanent teeth worldwide. Over 530 million children have caries in their primary (baby) teeth.3
Link Between Smoking and Gum Disease
People who smoke tend to produce bacterial plaque, which can lead to gum infections. Smoking is known to constrict blood vessels, thereby lessening oxygen supply in the bloodstream. Because oxygen cannot reach the infected tissues, the gums won’t heal properly.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease or periodontitis, is caused by a bacterial infection made worse by the lack of oxygen supply brought about by smoking. If the infection remains untreated for a long time, this can severely impact the gums and lead to tooth loss.
Approximately 43% of smoking adults aged 65 and above have lost all of their teeth.1
Signs of Gum Disease
It’s important for people who smoke cigarettes or tobacco to visit their dentist regularly. Some signs and symptoms of gum disease to look out for include:
- Bleeding gums
- Gums that are red, swollen, and tender
- Loose gums, pulling away from the teeth
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Bad breath or halitosis
- Loose teeth
- Spaces in between the teeth
- Painful chewing
- Pus between gums and teeth
Smoking, Teeth Stains, and Bad Breath (‘Smokers Teeth’)
Smokers teeth is an oral condition characterized by teeth stains (discoloration) and bad breath.
Regular smoking can turn normally white teeth into brown or yellow ones. The more a person smokes, the faster tooth discoloration happens. This is brought about by the nicotine and tar in tobacco.
Additionally, smoking has been known to cause halitosis or bad breath. It dries the mouth, too, making halitosis even worse.
How to Remove Teeth Stains from Smoking
Brushing your teeth several times a day can help improve their appearance. Doing so also helps prevent staining and periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
There is toothpaste made specifically for those who smoke. These toothpaste contain special ingredients that help fight tooth discoloration.
When looking for a toothpaste, the following ingredients should be present:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Coconut oil
- Turmeric
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can also help. This includes teeth whitening strips, gels, and pens. For severe teeth stains, professional teeth whitening services are highly recommended.
It is also possible to whiten teeth at home using homemade toothpaste. Simply add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to baking soda and mix together until it forms a paste. Be careful not to use too much hydrogen peroxide because it can damage your teeth.
How to Combat Bad Breath from Smoking
Smoking decreases saliva production, which dries out the mouth. This results in “smoker’s breath.”
To help eliminate smoker’s breath, do the following:
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day
- Drink a lot of water to prevent dry mouth
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash meant for dry mouth
- Chew on sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production
- Suck on a peppermint to freshen your breath
- Visit your dentist regularly for plaque and tartar removal
- Reduce, or stop, smoking
Other Oral Health Risks of Smoking 
There are numerous oral health risks related to smoking. These include, but are not limited to:
Oral Cancer
Studies have shown a definitive link between tobacco use and oral cancer. The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has conducted a study revealing that, out of 10 oral cancer patients, 8 of them were smokers.
Smoking is known to have a high incidence of numerous types of oral cancer, including cancer of the pharynx, larynx, tongue, and oral cavity. The most common type of cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.
Smokeless tobacco greatly increases a person’s risk of oral cancer.3 It can also cause leukoplakia, a condition where gray or white patches develop inside the mouth.3
Gum Recession
Also called advanced gum disease, periodontitis is a serious gum condition.5 It can lead to bone and tooth loss. It is also the most common cause of gum recession.
Smoking has been linked to the development of periodontitis because it also weakens the immune system. This impairs the body’s ability to repair tissues and fight infection.4
Dental Caries
There is a correlation between tobacco use and dental caries (cavities), which are caused by the buildup of tartar, plaque, and bacteria.6 Additionally, smoking weakens tooth enamel, making it prone to breakage.
Studies have shown that the development of dental caries is higher in those who smoke tobacco compared to those who indulge in smokeless tobacco use.7
Can Dentists Tell if You Smoke?
Smoking has a severe impact on oral health, affecting teeth and gums in various ways. A dentist can quickly identify a smoker’s mouth.
Some of the common telltale signs of smoking include the presence of plaque, tartar buildup, discolored teeth, white spots in the mouth, receding gums, and more.
The odor of nicotine in the mouth or on clothing is also an indicator.
Tips for Preventing Smoking-Related Oral Health Issues
The best way to prevent smoking-related oral health issues is to quit smoking. However, for some people, this is easier said than done.
There are, however, preventive measures that one can take, such as:
- Avoid food and drinks that may stain the teeth
- Avoid sweet and starchy foods
- Brush your teeth properly, at least twice a day, using a good quality toothbrush and toothpaste
- Clean your tongue
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat foods rich in fiber and calcium
- Use toothpaste specially formulated for smokers
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Visit a dentist regularly
Tips for Quitting Smoking
Here are some helpful tips for quitting smoking:
- Avoid triggers. Stay away from people, places, and situations that tempt you to smoke.
- Find a distraction. Staying busy by taking up a hobby or focusing on other things will take your mind off the urge to smoke.
- Nicotine therapy. Some people have successfully quit smoking by using a nicotine patch. This helps reduce cravings.
- Know your reason. Find something that will motivate you to stop smoking.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you find yourself relapsing, get yourself back up. Know that it’s a temporary setback and try again.
- Seek help. If you think you need professional intervention, get the help that you need. This may come in the form of behavioral therapy or other treatment options.
Are Vapes/Smokeless Tobacco Products Better for Dental Health?
Some people mistakenly think that smoking water pipes or e-cigarettes (known as vaping) is less harmful to oral health. The truth is, vaping causes you to inhale vaping juice (or e-liquids). These contain harmful substances even though they are labeled “tobacco-free,” such as:
- Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals
- Heavy metals
- Nicotine
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Additionally, daily use of e-cigarettes has been associated with a 78% higher chance of a person having poor oral health.8
Sources:
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
- Winn DM. Tobacco use and oral disease. Journal of Dental Education 2001;65:306-312.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Surveillance Report: Trends in Dental Caries and Sealants, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 1999–2004 to 2011–2016. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2019.
- Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet 2018; 392: 1789–8583
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Highlights: Smoking Among Adults in the United States: Other Health Effects [last updated 2015 Jul 15].
- Eke PI, Dye BA, Wei L, et al. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. Journal of Dental Research 2012; 91:914–20
- Jiang, Xue et al. “Correlation between tobacco smoking and dental caries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Tobacco induced diseases vol. 17 34. 19 Apr. 2019, doi:10.18332/tid/106117
- Mittal, Neelam et al. “Prevalence of Dental Caries among Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Users Attending Dental Hospital in Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh.” Indian journal of community medicine : official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine vol. 45,2 : 209-214. doi:10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_245_19
- Huilgol, Priyanka et al. “Association of e-cigarette use with oral health: a population-based cross-sectional questionnaire study.” Journal of public health (Oxford, England) vol. 41,2 : 354-361. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdy082
Article shared with permission from NewMouth.com.
The original post can be found at this link: https://www.newmouth.com/oral-health/smoking-oral-health/
Written By: Aaron Clarius
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Erica Anand
Great Blog.. Thanks a lot
Dental Clinic in Dubai
Thanks for sharing. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, and its toll is not just restricted to our lungs. Smoking also has a significant impact on our oral health, causing a range of problems from teeth staining to gum disease. What are the other effects of smoking on your teeth, gums, and oral health?
Informative read. Smoking is one of the most harmful and devastating habits someone can develop. Not only does it take a toll on your overall health, but it also wreaks havoc on your oral health. From bad breath to tooth loss, smoking can have a serious impact on your teeth, gums, and oral health.
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide and has been linked to an increased risk of numerous health problems, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. In addition to its well-known effects on overall health, smoking also takes a toll on oral health. Does smokers more likely than nonsmokers to develop gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss?
Your dentist will carry out a regular examination to make sure that your teeth and gums and whole mouth are healthy.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of severe gum disease in the United States. Bacteria on your teeth cause gum disease. Quick question: What are some dental implants’ pros and cons?
Be sure to check out our previous blog on dental implants at https://dentallabs.org/dental-implants-what-the-patient-needs-to-know/. Additionally, you can discuss this question with your dentist.
Very informative post. Everyone should maintain oral hygiene and visit a dentist twice a year.
This article on the effects of smoking on dental health is an eye-opener, highlighting the serious consequences tobacco use can have on teeth and gums. The detailed breakdown of how smoking contributes to issues like tooth discoloration, gum disease, and even tooth loss is both informative and concerning. As someone who’s looking to prioritize oral health, I’m curious to know if there are specific preventive measures or treatments suggested for individuals who currently smoke and are seeking to minimize the impact on their teeth and gums. What proactive steps can be taken to mitigate the adverse effects discussed in the article?
This article on the impact of smoking on oral health offers a compelling exploration of the various ways tobacco use can detrimentally affect teeth and gums. The detailed breakdown of the adverse effects, from tooth discoloration to increased risk of gum disease, provides a clear understanding of the oral health risks associated with smoking. As someone interested in making informed health choices, I’m curious about potential preventive measures. Does the article delve into strategies or recommendations for individuals who currently smoke and are seeking to minimize the damage to their oral health? Insights into proactive steps could be valuable for those looking to address the repercussions outlined in the article.
The detailed breakdown of these consequences, from staining and plaque buildup to more severe issues like periodontal disease and tooth loss, underscores the importance of quitting smoking for overall oral well-being. As someone interested in preventative measures, I’m curious to know if the article delves into strategies or resources that may help individuals quit smoking and mitigate the damage to their oral health. Providing such information could be a valuable addition for readers looking to take proactive steps towards better oral hygiene.
It’s alarming to see the comprehensive list of adverse effects, from staining and bad breath to more severe conditions like periodontitis. As someone who values their dental health, this serves as a stark reminder of the importance of kicking the smoking habit. For those who have successfully quit smoking, what positive changes have you noticed in your oral health, and do you have any tips for others aiming to break free from this harmful habit?
The author adeptly highlights the numerous ways in which smoking contributes to the degradation of teeth and gums, emphasizing the increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. The incorporation of scientific studies adds credibility to the claims, making it abundantly clear that tobacco use poses a significant threat to one’s oral well-being. As someone passionate about dental health, I appreciate the thorough exploration of the topic, serving as a valuable resource for those looking to make informed decisions about their oral hygiene amidst the challenges posed by smoking.
This article really lays it out—smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs, it seriously messes up your oral health too. It covers everything from gum diseases to tooth decay and even throws in some stats to drive the point home. What I like is that it gives you practical tips on how to prevent and deal with these oral health issues if you’re trying to quit smoking. The fact that they back it up with scientific sources makes it all the more convincing. So, if you’re a smoker or thinking about quitting, this is a solid read to understand what’s at stake for your teeth and gums.
Informative read! The detailed explanation of how smoking impacts oral health is eye-opening. I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of quitting smoking for overall oral well-being. Quick question: Are there specific oral care routines or products you recommend for individuals trying to quit smoking and improve their oral health simultaneously? Thanks!
This article provides a comprehensive look at the impact of smoking on oral health. The statistic that stood out to me is, “More than 40% of adults (20 to 60 years old) who currently smoke cigarettes have been diagnosed with untreated tooth decay.” Have you ever considered how smoking might be affecting your oral health, and what steps have you taken to maintain a healthy mouth?