SMOKING AND ORAL HEALTH

Q         How can smoking affect my oral health?

A          Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for our health.  It can cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases.  However, many people don’t realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth.

Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and in more severe cases mouth cancer.

Q         Why are my teeth stained?

A          One of the effects of smoking is staining on the teeth due to the nicotine and tar content.  It can make the teeth yellow in a very short time, and heavy smokers often complain that their teeth are almost brown after years of smoking.

Q         How will smoking affect my gums and teeth?

A          Smoking can also lead to gum disease.  Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums fail to heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and for gum disease to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers. Gum disease still remains the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

Q         How is smoking linked with cancer?

A          Most people know that smoking can cause lung and throat cancer, but many people are still unaware that it is one of the main causes of mouth cancer too.  Every year thousands of people die from mouth cancer brought on by smoking. (See our leaflet ‘Tell Me About Mouth Cancer’)

Q         Are there special dental products I can use?

A          There are special toothpastes for people who smoke.  They are sometimes a little more abrasive than ordinary pastes and should be used with care. Your dentist may recommend that you use these toothpastes alternately with your usual toothpaste. As there are several toothpastes on the market which claim to whiten teeth it is important to look for those accredited by the British Dental Health Foundation. Our logo means that the claims on the packaging are scientifically proven to be correct and the product will be effective at removing staining caused by smoking.

Q         What about mouthwashes?

A          People who smoke may find they are more likely to have bad breath than non-smokers. Fresh breath products such as mouthwashes may help to disguise the problem in the short term, but will only mask it.

Q         How often should I visit my dentist?

A          It is important that you visit your dentist regularly both for a normal check up and a full mouth examination so that any other conditions can be spotted early. 

You should visit your dentist at least once a year. However, this may be more often if your dentist feels it necessary. People who smoke are more likely to have stained teeth, and therefore may need appointments more often with the dental hygienist.

Q         What can my dentist do for me?

 A          Your dentist will carry out a regular examination to make sure that your teeth and gums and whole mouth are healthy. 

Your dentist will also examine your cheeks, tongue and throat for any signs of other conditions that may need more investigation.

They may also be able to put you in touch with organisations and self- help groups who will have the latest information to help you stop smoking.

Q         Will I need any extra treatment?

A          Your dentist may also refer you to a dental hygienist, for further treatment, thorough cleaning and to keep a closer check on your oral hygiene.

            Your dental hygienist will be able to advise you on how often you should visit them, although this should usually be every three to six months.

BRUSHING

Q         Why is brushing important?

A          Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque.  If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

Q         How can plaque cause decay?

A         When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel.  The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth.  After this happens many times, the tooth enamel can break down forming a hole or cavity.

Q         How can plaque cause gum disease?

A         Plaque can harden into something called calculus another name for it is ‘tartar’.  As calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed.  The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. 

If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost.  Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to dentures, bridges or implants.

Q         How can I prevent gum disease?

A          It is important to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth, as this will stop your gums from swelling and becoming infected.  If you leave plaque on your teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist.  It is important to keep up your regular appointments so

that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.

Q         How do I know if I have gum disease?

A          Gum disease (gingivitis) will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed.  Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all.  It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition.

Q         Which type of toothbrush should I use?

A          Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to recommend a toothbrush to you.  However, adults should choose a small to medium size brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or ‘filaments’.  The head should be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where cleaning can be difficult.  Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.

You can now get more specialised toothbrushes.  For instance, people with
sensitive teeth can now use softer bristled brushes.  There are also smaller headed toothbrushes for those people
with crooked or irregular teeth.  Some people find it difficult to hold a toothbrush, for example because they have Parkinson’s disease or a physical disability.  There are now toothbrushes, which have large handles and angled heads to make them easier to use.

Q         How often should I change my toothbrush?

A          Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums.  It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the filaments become worn.  When filaments become splayed, they do not clean properly.

Q         How should I brush?

A          Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.
Here is one method of removing plaque:

• Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and angle against the gumline.  Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of each individual tooth.
• Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
• Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
• 
  Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.
• Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.

Q         How often should I brush my teeth?

A          Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, more often if your dentist recommends it.  If you keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing go to see your dentist about it.