Smoking poses a significant risk for tooth loss, primarily by compromising overall oral health. The substances in tobacco products can cause a chain of events in the mouth, ultimately leading to teeth becoming loose or falling out.
Smoking’s Impact on Gum Health
Smoking significantly impairs gum health, creating an environment where infections can thrive. Tobacco use restricts blood flow to gum tissues, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients necessary for healthy gums and their ability to heal. This diminished blood flow also makes it harder for the body’s immune system to fight off bacterial infections effectively.
The presence of bacteria on teeth leads to the formation of plaque, a sticky film. If this plaque remains on teeth for too long, it hardens into tartar. This buildup can cause gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The toxic substances in tobacco further weaken gum tissue, making it thinner and more susceptible to infection.
As gum disease progresses, it becomes periodontitis, a more severe infection where gums pull away from teeth, forming infected pockets. Smokers are about twice as likely to develop gum disease compared to non-smokers, with risk increasing by daily cigarette count and smoking duration. The suppression of inflammation in smokers can mask typical symptoms like bleeding gums, meaning the disease might advance without obvious warning signs until it’s more severe.
The Role of Bone Loss
Untreated periodontitis, which is worsened by smoking, directly leads to the destruction of the alveolar bone that supports the teeth. The body’s immune response, while trying to fight the gum infection, can inadvertently break down the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place. Smoking accelerates this destructive process, making it harder for damaged tissues to repair themselves.
As the alveolar bone deteriorates, gums recede, exposing tooth roots. This bone loss leads to increased tooth mobility, as teeth lose stable anchorage within the jaw. Eventually, teeth may loosen and fall out or require extraction. Smokers can experience as much as three times more bone loss than non-smokers, making them significantly more susceptible to tooth loss.
Protecting Your Teeth
The most impactful action to protect teeth from smoking-related loss is quitting. Quitting reduces the risk of developing and progressing gum disease, and over time, the risk of tooth loss for former smokers can become similar to never-smokers. While some benefits are seen within one to two years, it may take five to ten years of abstinence for the risk of tooth loss to return to the level of never smokers.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important in preventing tooth loss. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings allow dentists to monitor oral health, address early gum disease, and remove stubborn plaque and tartar. These practices, combined with smoking cessation, support gum and bone health, reducing the likelihood of tooth loss.