In The Dentist’s Chair
Smoking – a Danger to Healthy Gums

by John O. Lambert, D.D.S.

When you see the warning on cigarette packages what comes to mind? Lung cancer, probably. Emphysema, maybe. But, did you know that smoking is a huge factor in gum disease, which can lead to serious oral problems, including the loss of your teeth?

Smoking is a major risk factor for developing periodontal (gum) disease. In fact, when you look at the scientific literature on gum disease, smoking supercedes any other risk factor that has been identified to date.

Not only does smoking increase the chance that you will develop gum disease, it makes treatment more difficult and less likely to be successful. Smoking also lessens your mouth’s ability to heal, so much so that many dentists hesitate to perform needed oral surgery.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that destroys soft tissue and bone that anchors your teeth to your jawbones. It occurs when bacterial plaque forms on the teeth. In early stages of the disease, you may notice only that your gums bleed when you brush or floss. As the infection worsens, your gums begin to break down and pull away from your teeth. Later, the pockets between your teeth and gums deepen as more of the supporting structures are destroyed. Ultimately, your teeth may become loose, painful and may even fall out.

Studies have shown that smokers have more calculus (tartar), more severe bone loss and more deep pockets between their teeth and gums compared to nonsmokers. Among specific findings, smokers were 2.6 to 6 times more likely to have gum disease than nonsmokers, and severe bone loss was 4.7 times greater among current or former heavy smokers as compared to people who never smoked.

Researchers are still studying what smoke does to oral tissues, but it appears to interfere with basic functions that fight disease and promote healing.

It appears that certain compounds in the smoke affect the normal function of the cells in gum tissue, making smokers more susceptible to an infection like periodontal disease. Smoking also seems to impair blood flow to the oral tissues, which may affect periodontal wound healing.

The only good news about smoking and health of your teeth and gums is that the Surgeon General’s warning holds true — quitting now does greatly reduce serious risks to your health. In a recent study, 11 years after quitting, former smokers likelihood of having periodontal disease was not significantly different from people who never smoked.

As always, please consult with your dentist.