Why Is Smoking Bad For Oral Health?
Here at Sheen Dental we place a great many dental implants in Richmond on a regular basis and while this procedure is virtually available to anyone, if you happen to be a smoker then you may find that some clinics will turn you down point blank whereas others will ask you to stop smoking for several weeks leading up to the placement of the implants and for the whole of the healing period.
Most smokers know they face the risk of lung cancer but many are unaware that smoking and the use of other tobacco products can make them more at risk to a variety of oral health problems than non-smokers. Yes, it’s true. Smoking is the cause of around 75% of gum disease in adults and even those who smoke pipes or cigars are just as at risk of tobacco related health problems.
Once you start to smoke you put yourself at risk of experiencing the following oral health problems:
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Tooth loss
- Bad breath
- Mouth sores
- Loss of taste and smell
- Delayed/impaired healing following oral surgery and other treatments
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Gum recession
- Reduced dental implant success
If you’re interested in protecting your oral health then we’d strongly recommend that you quit smoking. The following steps may help you stop smoking and using tobacco products:
- Set a date to stop smoking and remove all cigarettes and other related products from your home and car.
- Make sure you have the support of someone close to you as well as your GP
- Take up a new hobby or learn new skills to take your mind off smoking
- Arm yourself with appropriate medication and use it correctly
- Be prepared for difficult situations and the odd relapse
Here at Sheen Dental we’ll support you in your goal to stop smoking. Our objective is to protect the oral health of all our patients and giving up smoking is a step in the right direction. If you’re considering a dental implant in Richmond then come along and speak with us. We offer a free no-obligation consultation where you can meet Dr. Harmit Kalsi, discuss the procedure in full, get your questions answered and take a tour of our facilities. If you can quit smoking, even for the short term, then you may be eligible for a dental implant. Call us today on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk for more information.