Smoking can have a negative impact on your dental health and overall health. It exposes your teeth to nicotine and tobacco, causing yellow teeth, stains, and bad breath. While there are several negative impacts that smoking can have on your overall health, it can also have a major impact on your teeth. It’s important to quit smoking, or at least gradually reduce the amount you smoke. However, there are cosmetic dental options for smokers.
Impact of Smoking on Oral Health
Gum disease is linked to smoking as those who smoke often have more tartar on their teeth than nonsmokers. Tartar and bacteria accumulate on your gums, which causes inflammation. The tartar and bacteria can lead to infection and result in gum disease. In addition to the excess tartar in smokers’ mouths, nicotine reduces saliva production, making it much easier for bacteria to build up in your mouth.
Even if you have smoked for years, quitting can benefit your oral health. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health and reduce your likelihood of getting gum disease. In fact, research has shown that roughly 20% of former smokers had significant oral health improvements within one year. Smokers have roughly an 80% increase in risk for bone loss and gum disease than those who don’t.
Cosmetic Dental Options for Smokers
There are a wide variety of cosmetic treatment options for smokers. Below you will find the most common cosmetic treatments.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional whitening treatments are long-lasting with fast results. While everyone’s teeth are different, professional treatments can last up to a year if you have a good oral hygiene routine. The most effective whitening method involves laser whitening treatment. Unlike traditional whitening methods, ultra-violet light is the most effective way to get your teeth white. Most dental offices can provide this treatment.
- Veneers: The process of getting veneers is fairly simple, and the upkeep is minimal if you follow your dentist’s recommendations. Veneers are often made of porcelain or resin-composite and are shaped into thin shells of tooth-colored material that are as durable in the same way as your natural teeth. The material is bonded to the surface of one’s actual tooth to enhance the appearance of one’s mouth and smile. This is a realistic option for those with various dental issues, such as discolored teeth from smoking. If you are considering upgrading your teeth, the best veneers Hollywood has is a great place to start.
- Crowns: A dental crown is a cap placed over your tooth to cover it, restore its shape and size, and increase its strength. It is shaped just like an actual tooth and can improve the appearance of your teeth overall. The crown is cemented into place and fully covers the visible portion of your tooth. This is a routine procedure and a great way to restore your teeth.
Even if you have not quit smoking yet, do not put off taking a trip to the dentist. We recommend adults get regular checkups every six months. Even if you still smoke, you should continue visiting the dentist, as many of these cosmetic treatments can help regardless.
Hollywood Dentist
If you are concerned about the damage that smoking has done to your teeth, contact Dr. Rhonda at Glo Modern Dentistry. Dr. Rhonda is one of the most trusted and highly respected dentists in the area. She has trained at one of the nation’s top universities, UCLA. The team at Glo Modern Dentistry all have skill in whitening treatments, veneers, and dental crowns to restore your teeth and smile. If you have concern about your teeth, need a routine cleaning, or have any dental questions, contact Glo Modern Dentistry today!