How does smoking affect teeth?
Although the number of compulsive smokers is decreasing every year, still about one fourth of Poles regularly smoke tobacco products. This is a high percentage. We know that this result is a consequence of how addictive nicotine is. However, it is certainly worth doing everything possible to stop smoking, as this activity has a very bad impact on the health of our body, including teeth. Today’s text is dedicated mainly to smokers – check what awaits you if you continue to poison yourself with tobacco smoke!
What substances are found in tobacco smoke?
Tobacco smoke is extremely rich in composition. Research has shown that there are around 4000 different chemicals in tobacco smoke, most of which are carcinogenic. About 85-90% of the mass of tobacco smoke is oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The rest of the smoke is largely composed of:
- nicotine – this is what makes smoking so addictive. It increases the heart rate, increases blood pressure and causes spasms in the peripheral vessels;
- carbon monoxide – very harmful to the body, which may interfere with the transport of oxygen to the blood, thus causing hypoxia;
- sulphur oxide – has a negative impact mainly on the respiratory system, causing coughing, shortness of breath and irritation of the nasal mucosa
- lead – a radioactive ingredient that enters tobacco smoke due to radioactive decay;
- benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic – some of the many carcinogens.
Effects of smoking on oral health
Smoking is also dangerous to the health of our teeth. Its visible to the naked eye results in unsightly, intense yellow or even brown discoloration of the enamel surface. They are formed because nicotine sediment deeply penetrates the structure of teeth, changing their color. At first, the discoloration caused by smoking may be slight, but it intensifies over time until it becomes practically impossible to remove.
Tooth discoloration is not the only oral problem smokers face, however. Very often, smoking also results in such problems as:
- dental caries,
- periodontal diseases,
- tartar,
- xerostomia (dry mouth),
- halitosis (bad breath),
- taste and smell disorders,
- impaired wound healing,
- tongue disorders (burning, burning, excessive dryness, or pain),
- increased susceptibility to injury,
- increased risk of oral cancer.
Also watch out for electric cigarettes
Recently, electric cigarettes have become very popular. Many people are replacing traditional cigarettes with them, because – at least according to manufacturers’ claims – you will not find any carcinogenic substances in electric cigarettes. On the surface, these types of cigarettes seem to be a great alternative for smoking enthusiasts. But is it really so?
It should be remembered that electric cigarettes have been introduced to the market relatively recently and still have not been thoroughly tested for safety. While it is true that there are no harmful carcinogenic substances in their composition, it has been proven that these types of cigarettes contain formaldehyde, a chemical compound that in the long run can irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. So if you want to keep your mouth healthy, it is best to give up smoking electric cigarettes as well.
Smilesonic sonic toothbrushes can help you fight stains
If you are a heavy smoker, or have yet to kick the habit, you will often need information on how to effectively remove the yellow or brown discoloration that tobacco smoke leaves on your teeth. One of the most effective ways is to undergo a whitening treatment at a professional dentist’s office, but not everyone can afford such luxury. An alternative for lovers of a beautiful smile is to invest in a sonic toothbrush.
The Smilesonic toothbrushes we recommend are ideal for smokers for two reasons: firstly, these devices have special whitening modes that can effectively remove stains caused by smoking from the enamel surface. Secondly, Smilesonic sonic toothbrushes can be equipped with whitening toothbrush tips (ShinyWhite and SupremeWhite), whose hard bristles make it easier to remove unpleasant-looking plaque.
