Smoking And Your Gum Health

Author: Advanced Hygienist Vytautas

Most people know that smoking can harm the lungs and heart, but fewer realise the serious impact it has on oral health. One of the biggest risks linked to smoking is periodontal disease, also called gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that damages the tissues and bone that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and has even been linked to other health problems in the body.

Smokers are much more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. This is because the chemicals in tobacco weaken the body’s ability to fight infection and slow down healing.

Smoking also reduces blood flow to the gums, which means your mouth has a harder time repairing itself. As a result, gum disease tends to progress faster and cause more damage in people who smoke.

What makes things even trickier is that smoking can hide the early warning signs of gum disease. For example, bleeding gums are one of the first symptoms, but smoking constricts blood vessels, so bleeding may be less noticeable. This can give a false sense of security and delay treatment until the disease is more advanced.

The good news is that quitting smoking makes a real difference. Once you stop, your gums start getting more oxygen and nutrients, and your body’s ability to heal improves. Former smokers often respond much better to gum treatments, and their risk for further problems drops over time.

If you smoke, one of the best things you can do for your smile is to quit. Your dental team is here to support you, not only with gum care, but also with resources to help you take steps toward quitting. Protecting your gums goes beyond brushing and flossing, it’s also about making healthy lifestyle choices that keep your smile strong for life.