The effects of smoking have been the focus of health campaigns for many years now, especially concerning lung and heart problems. All types of tobacco are harmful to your oral and overall health, and smoking or vaping can also expose you to nicotine which is an addictive substance.

The negative effects of tobacco and nicotine on your oral health include:

• Gum (or periodontal) disease
• Oral cancer
• Whitening of the soft tissue in the mouth (known as smoker's keratosis)
• Poor healing after tooth removal (known as dry socket) or mouth surgery
• Tooth decay and tooth loss
• A diminished sense of taste and smell
• Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath (known as halitosis)
• Stained teeth and tongue
• Fewer options for dental care (e.g. smokers can be poor candidates for implants)

In recent years, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become more popular and their use is increasing worldwide. E-cigarettes are battery-powered electronic devices containing a cartridge with e-juice (made up of vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and liquid nicotine) and a heating element to produce vapour. They are often promoted as a safer alternative to combustible cigarette smoking and as an effective smoking cessation aid. However, this does not make them completely harmless.

While the long-term safety of vaping is not yet established, more studies are now suggesting that vaping can expose you to harmful substances such as nicotine, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and cancer-causing chemicals. It can also cause inflammation in the mouth due to vaping aerosol, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems.

How to prevent teeth and gum problems in smokers/vapers

If you or someone you know smokes or vapes, there are some things you can do to prevent tooth and gum problems, including:

• Try to quit smoking or vaping. Speak with your doctor or dentist for guidance and support. The Ontario Dental Association also suggests many great resources to help you quit smoking.
• Clean your teeth and gums twice a day by brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss (for small gaps) or interdental brushes (for big gaps) at least once a day to clean between your teeth.
• Avoid having a dry mouth. Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow. This is especially important if you take medications that can contribute to dry mouth.
• Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs.
• Visit our office at least once every 6 months. We can provide advice about the proper care for your teeth and gums and detect problems early with regular visits. We can also suggest - and, in some cases, prescribe - tobacco cessation medication for severe withdrawal symptoms.

If you have concerns about the effect of smoking or vaping on your oral health and/or need help quitting, contact us today for additional information. We are here to help care for your oral and overall health!