Smoking and Dental Health: What You Need to Know

With the new vape ban and restrictions in Australia, now is the perfect time to delve into the impact smoking, nicotine, and tobacco have on dental health. When it comes to daily tobacco smoking in Australia, there has been a downward trend since 1991, with a 24% decrease.

Overall, tobacco use and traditional cigarette smoking have been decreasing in Australia, which is fantastic for oral health across the country. Unfortunately, there has been a significant increase in e-cigarette use (vapes) in the past 5 years.

Between 2019 and 2022-2023, lifetime use of e-cigarettes significantly increased. Australia has been having a ramping issue regarding vape use, which, in turn, has become a dental health concern.

The link between smoking and oral health is well documented. The habit is detrimental and, in severe cases, can contribute to cancer and lead to life-long issues. Similarly, tobacco use and oral health are negatively linked. Tobacco use, mouth cancer, gum problems, and more.

The Oral Health Issues Caused By Smoking

Smoking impacts your cardiovascular system and overall well-being and can significantly negatively affect your oral health. Smoking has been linked to a range of different conditions and symptoms.

The most common oral problems that can be exacerbated or caused by smoking include:

• Gum (periodontal) disease
• Mouth cancer
• Whitening of the soft tissue in the mouth, known as ‘smoker’s keratosis’
• Tooth decay
• Poor healing after dental procedures, like tooth removal or surgeries
• Tooth loss
• Decreased taste
• Consistent bad taste in the mouth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Tooth discolouration

Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, can be caused by smoking and is where an infection destroys the bone surrounding and supporting teeth. It can have devastating effects long-term, and the best cure is prevention.

Statistics from reputable studies show that a person who smokes even less than ten cigarettes a day is at higher risk than a person who doesn’t smoke at all. Someone who smokes is at least 4 to 5 times more likely at risk of gum disease.

Smoking can also make it harder to detect conditions like gum disease. This is because nicotine and tobacco reduce the blood supply to the gums. This can also interfere with healing, e.g., after surgery. Tobacco also makes it harder for the body’s immune system, too.

If you do smoke, it’s important to look out for the following symptoms. Swollen or red gums, discharge coming from your gums, a bad taste or bad breath, loose teeth, and space between your teeth.

The Oral Health Issues Caused By Vaping

Although vaping nicotine is relatively new compared to traditional smoking, studies have found a similar connection between the habits and negative oral health. While most research focuses on the heart and lungs, studies have found vaping nicotine causes similar effects to smoking it.

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it restricts blood flow. This means vaping nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, which can result in periodontal disease. The fluid used in vapes is also a massive concern.

The chemicals used in vaping liquids, like propylene glycol, benzene, and other agents used for flavouring, can also impact oral health. It increases the risk of issues like periodontal disease and gum problems.

A study published in the journal iScience showed that 43% of people who used vapes had gum disease and oral infections. The vapour can also indirectly lead to dry mouth, which is where the mouth isn’t producing enough saliva.

Lack of saliva can result in an increased chance of increased plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. It can even lead to mouth sores, yeast infections (thrush), and poor nutrition due to chewing/swallowing difficulties.

The Oral Health Issues Cause by Tobacco Products

Tobacco use extends beyond just cigarettes, and there is no ‘safe’ tobacco use. The substance is always linked to detrimental effects on oral health and overall well-being, whether you’re smoking it, chewing it, or using a pipe.

Different forms of tobacco products include:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars, cigarillos & little cigars
• Pipes (for smoking loose-leaf tobacco)
• Chewing tobacco
• Dissolvable tobacco
• Hookah
• Snus/snuff

Similarly to vaping and cigarettes, all forms of tobacco products are linked to increased risks for oral diseases. This includes periodontal disease, oral cancer, and oral mucosal lesions, among many other conditions.

The use of tobacco products has also been linked to sialolithiasis. This is also known as stone in the salivary ducts. This is a condition where stones (calculi) form in your mouth’s salivary glands/ducts, causing blockages and a decreased flow of saliva.

These stones are made from calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite. It can be incredibly painful and cause swelling. Salivary stones can cause a range of issues, including difficulty swallowing, trouble opening your mouth and dry mouth.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition. It can be caused by tobacco products, including vapes, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco. Dry mouth refers to when your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva.

Occasional dry mouth is normal and a natural response to anxiety or being dehydrated. If you’re frequently getting dry mouth, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition or caused by tobacco.

Chronic dry mouth can have a severe impact on an individual’s health directly and indirectly. Saliva plays a critical role in protecting a person’s teeth. Dry mouth can lead to an increased risk for:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Mouth sores
• Cracked lips
• Oral thrush

Long-term, dry mouth can also lead to poor nutrition indirectly, as the individual may have trouble eating. Difficulty eating and swallowing can impact overall well-being and quality of life. In seniors, it can also cause trouble wearing dentures, too.

How Quitting Smoking Will Improve Your Oral Health

When it comes to quitting smoking, vapes, or any tobacco/nicotine product, it’s never too late. As the old adage goes, the best time to quit was back when you first started—the next best time is now.

Quitting smoking can improve any pre-existing oral health conditions, like mouth cancer, and reduce risks. This includes reducing the risks of developing gum disease and mouth cancer and improving a person’s response to oral treatments.

If you are a person who smokes, vapes or uses any other form of nicotine/tobacco products, it is recommended to keep up with your regular dentist visits. That way, you can ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.

Book In For A Check Up And Clean at Admire Dentistry

The best way to stay on top of your oral health, especially if you use nicotine or tobacco products, is to book a comprehensive check-up and clean at Admire Dentistry. In our initial examination, we will do a thorough oral examination that takes up to 40 minutes.

During the initial examination, we’ll collect information regarding your dental health history and check your teeth, gums, neck, and jaw. Our team understands how important oral health is for overall well-being, and we’re here to make sure you’re on the right track.

If you’re curious about cosmetic dentistry, we offer various services, including teeth whitening and veneers. Our experienced team can help bring a pearly white shine back to your teeth,  whether they’ve been stained due to tobacco products or coffee—the Admire Dentistry team can help.

Admire Dentistry has locations in Arana Hills and Samford Village. We understand that visiting a dental clinic can be daunting, which is why our team always strives to make our clinics as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about our services or smoking and oral health, get in touch today.