Periodontal Disease & Tobacco

What is the connection between tobacco use and periodontal disease?

You are probably familiar with the links between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer, and heart disease.

Current studies have now linked periodontal disease with tobacco usage.  These cases may be even more severe than those of non-users of tobacco.  There is a greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth as well as greater loss of the bone and fibers that hold teeth in your mouth.  In addition, your chance of developing oral cancer increases with the use of smokeless tobacco.

Chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine and tar slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment.

What are some of the problems caused by tobacco use?

  • Lung disease

  • Heart disease

  • Cancer

  • Mouth sores

  • Gum recession

  • Loss of bone and teeth

  • Bad breath

  • Tooth staining

  • Tobacco use can interfere with the healing process of periodontal treatments and dental implants

Quitting tobacco will reduce the chance of developing the above problems.

 

If your oral and dental health is suffering from the adverse effects of tobacco use, call West TX Periodontics & Dental Implants today. Our San Angelo periodontal & dental implant practice specializes in providing conservative treatment options as well as preventative and restorative care.