Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the health of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It plays a crucial role in preserving oral health. In this article, we explore how lifestyle choices, such as smoking and vaping, affect gum health, increase the risk of periodontal disease, and what steps can be taken to protect your oral health.
How Smoking and Vaping Affect Gum Health
Smoking and vaping are two of the main risk factors of developing gum disease (also called periodontal disease). It is a chronic infection of the gum tissue that can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss at its advanced stages.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. These substances reduce blood flow to the gums, limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential to healthy tissue. As a result, the gums become weaker and less able to fight off bacteria.
Smoking and vaping also suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to respond to infections. This creates an ideal environment for plaque buildup and bacterial growth along the gumline. Smokers are more likely to develop deep periodontal pockets, bone loss around the teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
Other risk factors of gum disease include:
- Insufficient oral hygiene
- Genetic predisposition
- Some systemic conditions, such as diabetes
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Signs that you might have gum disease due to smoking, vaping, or insufficient oral hygiene include:
- Red gums
- Puffy or swollen gums
- Frequent gum bleeding when flossing and brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth that does not go away after brushing and flossing your teeth
- Receding gum line and exposed tooth roots
- Enlarged periodontal pockets
- Pas in periodontal pockets
- Pimples or cysts of the gums
- Changes in bite or tooth alignment
What Can I Do to Prevent Gum Disease?
Apart from abstaining from smoking and vaping, we recommend following these rules to prevent gum disease:
Make Sure Your Oral Hygiene Is Effective
- Maintain an effective oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every evening.
- Spend 2 full minutes brushing your teeth, paying special attention to the back of the mouth and hard-to-reach areas.
- Choose fluoride toothpaste to reduce bacterial growth in the mouth and help remineralize your teeth’s enamel.
- Use a brush that is effective at removing plaque but not so hard as to hurt and irritate the gum tissue, as it may exacerbate inflammation and cause recession.
- Use a water flosser in addition to traditional flossing and brushing (it is most effective when used as the first step in your routine).
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Do not skip biyearly visits to your dental office for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. This practice is essential to prevent tartar accumulation on your teeth and underneath the gum line.
Adjust Your Diet
Reduce your sugar intake, as it is the primary fuel for bacterial growth in the mouth. Also, avoid acidic foods and drinks and frequent snacking. Instead, include foods that support oral health in your diet. The prominent examples of such foods include:
- Dairy products that are rich in Calcium
- Phosphate and fluoride-rich foods
- Lean proteins
- Foods rich in B vitamins
Treat Gum Disease at Turquoise Dental
If you notice signs of gum disease, do not postpone your visit to an experienced periodontal dentist at Turquoise Dental. Remember that timely treatment is essential to increase the chances of reversing the condition or preventing its progress. We are looking forward to your visit.
