Quit smoking for healthy gums

Gum disease occurs more often and is more severe in smokers.

You may know by now the ill effects of tobacco. It has been notoriously linked to heart and lung disease, and cancer. But did you know that it can cause gum disease too? In fact, tobacco use is one of the biggest risks for gum disease.

Gum disease occurs more often and is more severe in smokers

The body's ability to fight infection is decreased due to suppression of immune system by tobacco, both in smokers and the ones who chew tobacco. It also makes you more likely to have destructive gum disease due to greater occurrence of gums pulling away from the teeth to form pockets and increased destruction of bone that supports your teeth. This results in more extensive tooth loss in smokers.

Gum affected by tobacco use tends to be paler. The margin of the gums may be thicker. There may be pronounced gum recession, pocket formation and bone destruction and more tooth loss when compared to a non-smoker. In smokers, the gums pulling away from the teeth and destruction of bone is especially more noticeable behind the upper front teeth. (Read: Stages of gum disease)

Smoking lowers the chances of treatment success too

Failure of treatment and relapse of gum disease are largely seen in smokers. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco interfere with the body's ability to repair damaged tissues. They cause constriction and also limit the growth of small blood vessels. This reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to gum tissue thereby slowing its healing. Nicotine is also lethal to cells (fibroblasts) that produce new connective tissue. All these factors make the outcome of gum treatment less promising in smokers even if they maintain good oral hygiene.

According to a study, current smokers are about four times more likely to have gum problems than people who have never smoked; and ex-smokers who have curbed their habit for more than ten years face no increased risk. Though smoking is a risk factor for gum disease, it is a completely preventable one! So, think again before you light that cigarette. Quitting smoking can go a long way in reducing your gum problems. (Read: Different ways to quit smoking)

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