Can Dentists Tell if you Smoke?

If you are a smoker and you have your regular dental exam and cleaning scheduled, you may wonder if your dentist will know you smoke. Stained teeth and gum recession are both issues your dentist will see that will indicate you are a smoker. Patients that smoke tendto have gums that recede faster and are inflamed due to irritation. In some cases, smokers will have bad breath because the smoke attaches to the tissue in their mouth. This results in thicker saliva which can dry out the mouth.

Remember, dentists are not there to judge what habits you practice at home, they are there to help you take care of your teeth and oral health. At Today’s Dental we recommend exams and cleanings at least twice a year. If you are a smoker, we may suggest you try and quit to help keep your teeth and mouthhealthy, and free of disease or decay. Our team is here to answer any questions or concerns you have and can help you improve your oral hygiene routine at home. Today’s Dental is the preferred dentist in Grande Prairie, and we welcome new patients to join our dental family.

How Does Smoking Impact Oral Health?

Dental health and cigarette smoking do not mix and can cause long-term issues. Other habits such as the use of marijuana or vaping can also cause dental problems. At Today’s Dental, we care about your oral healthcare and wantto help prevent complications in the future. Your oral health can be affected by smoking in many ways and knowing what these are can help you prevent complications.

Below are some conditions that can arise if you continue to smoke:

Smoking Increases the Risk for Tooth Decay

Smoking causes dry mouth and this, in turn, increases the risk for tooth decay. Saliva helps us to break down bacteria and rinse away particles that can cause decay. When you are a smoker, your mouth is dry and this can cause more buildup of bacteria, and this results in tooth decay.

Smoking Increases the Risk for Gum Disease

Smokers tend to have gum disease due to the chemicals found in cigarettes. These chemicals penetrate the gums and cause inflammation and nfection, as well as gum recession. Bacteria can enter the gum tissue easily, and this can lead to tooth loss if you continue to smoke.

Smoking Delays Healing

The carbon monoxide produced by cigarettes causes lower levels of oxygen in your blood, and this can slow the healing process compared to a non-smoker.

Smoking Increases the Risk for Oral Cancer

Smoking increases your risk of developing oral cancer, and smokers are far more likely to develop oral cancer compared to non-smokers. Not only can smoking increase your risk for oral cancer, but vaping and marijuana use can also cause cancer. Working together to help you quit smoking can help your gums and teeth recover, and prevent serious complications in the future.

Help! How Can I Maintain My Oral Health as a Smoker?

Maintaining your oral health when you are a smoker can take some effort. Here are some things that you can do during your daily oral hygiene routine at home to help keep your teeth healthier despite your smoking habits:

Dental Hygiene Suggestions for Smokers

·      Brush twice daily

·      Avoid food or drinks that can stain your teeth

·      Use toothpaste that helps to fight stains

·      Follow a healthy diet

·      Scrape and clean your tongue regularly

·      Use a mouthwash daily

·      Attend your regular exam and cleaning appointments

·      Check your mouth regularly for irritation or pain

However, the best way to prevent smoking-related health issues is to stop smoking. If you are in need of support to help quit smoking, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our office as finding a quality general dentist in Grande Prairie can start the process towards better oral health. We can provide ideas and methods to help you quit your smoking habit while customizing a personal plan to ensure positive oral health.

Can I Improve the Appearance of My Smile if I Smoke?

We understand that some smokers may be self-conscious because of staining or discoloration in their teeth. Thankfully there are affordable cosmetic treatment options available for smokers. Dr. Beeson would be delighted to walk you through our cosmetic services and show you how we can transform your smile at our dental office in Grande Prairie.

Some options include:

Getting Teeth Whitening in Grande Prairie

Professional teeth whitening treatments can help whiten your teeth, and improve or get rid of those pesky stains from smoking. Today’s Dental offers in-office teeth whitening in Grande Prairie as well as a system you can conveniently take home.

Getting Dental Crowns in Grande Prairie

Dental crowns are another great option to improve your smile as these can easily be placed over a tooth. Crowns aren’t just aesthetic, however! They also help restore the tooth’s shape and function. Dr. Beeson is experienced in providing dental crowns in Grande Prairie and can also provide advice and recommendations to maximize your use of dental crowns.

Getting Porcelain Veneers in Grande Prairie

Porcelain Veneers are an easy and popular way to improve the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers are typically made of porcelain or composite material. Both are functionally thin shells that cover the front of your teeth. These materials are bonded to the surface of the tooth and can help with discoloration from smoking. Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular treatments that our dentist in Grande Prairie can provide.

Looking for Affordable Dentistry in Grand Prairie?

If you are looking for a family dentist in Grande Prairie that provides affordable dental care, contact Today’s Dental! Dr. Beeson can provide quality dental care that you can trust in a welcoming and comfortable environment in downtown Grande Prairie.

Let our team at Today’s Dental take control of your oral health by scheduling an appointment today! Our passion for dentistry can be seen on our patient reviews or testimonials. Be sure to leave us a review if you wanted to provide us feedback.

To schedule your appointment with us, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Grande Prairie and one of our team members can assist you!