How does smoking lead to tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease? The habit of smoking leads to tooth decay and staining of the teeth stemming from the cigarette smoke containing the hundreds of carcinogens. Smoking also leads to gingivitis; gingivitis, the top dental complication for persons over eighteen, is the mildest form of gum disease. This early stage of gum disease comes about when bacteria develops between the gums (gingiva) and the base of the teeth they surround. If you ‘only’ have gingivitis, it could have been worse. Gingivitis operates as an initial warning sign that you could be well primed for severe dental health complications. Actually, gingivitis is the baby brother of Periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth). This more severe form of gum disease is usually followed by loss of teeth. Untreated, gingivitis leads to periodontitis. Gingivitis can bring minor blood loss; periodontitis can cause major tooth loss.

Evidence is building of potential connections between gingivitis and more severe health problems. Healthy immune systems usually fight off the bacteria building up in the mouth. When this protection is diminished to any extent, the additional bacteria in the bloodstream appear to elevate the risk of stroke or heart disease. Remember, the important thing is not what gingivitis is but what it brings on, and that is irreversible periodontitis and probable tooth loss. Smoking does not cause gingivitis, but it does set the stage for gingivitis to move in and take over your mouth and gums by creating an abnormal Ph imbalance. The acidic condition caused by smoking harms the naturally healthy Ph levels that usually protect gum tissues from gingivitis. If you smoke, you can help restore normal Ph by using baking soda based toothpaste, and mouthwashes to protect your gums. When you quit smoking, your mouth will naturally return to the correct Ph to protect you from gingivitis. Oral acidosis also speeds up enamel breakdown and tooth decay. Even if it is not caused by smoking, acidosis develops a friendly environment for gingivitis.

Many years ago, the American Academy of Periodontology published a study that concluded that smoking was the main risk factor for developing advanced or severe gum disease (periodontitis). The study found that fifty three percent of adults who had severe gum disease were either current or ex smokers. Smoking tends to dry out the oral tissues, reducing salivary flow. Saliva contains enzymes and electrolytes that help maintain proper pH. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. This restricts blood flow to the oral tissues causing a decrease in oxygen and vital nutrients needed by the tissues and cells. It has also been discovered that nicotine tends to up-regulate the inflammatory mediators that destroy periodontal attachment in gum disease. This means the body’s immune system tends to be over exuberant in its attempts to defend itself against bacterial infection. This results in more tissue destruction when compared to non-smokers. How does smoking lead to tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease? Well, the evidence speaks for itself.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at 11:24 am and is filed under Smoking Effects. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.