Dentures are a fantastic way to replace one or more missing teeth. Many people know that one of the most common causes of tooth loss is gum disease, but some of them may not be aware that tobacco use frequently leads to these infections. Using tobacco in any form can lead to negative consequences for your dentures and your oral health. Here’s why it’s a great idea to ditch your tobacco habit if you plan on receiving dentures.
Tobacco Erodes Your Gums and Jawbones
Tobacco use is terrible for your oral health in part because it contains a variety of noxious chemicals that harm your gum tissue. When you inhale smoke or chew on leaves, the toxic substances in tobacco cause your gums to harden in defense, and having to do this frequently can exhaust your gum tissue and cause it to recede. It will also contribute to bone loss in the jawbone. Accelerating the way the gums and jawbones recede in this manner will result in your dentures losing their fit sooner, causing the patient to need costly adjustments or replacements.
Tobacco Makes It Harder for Your Gums to Stay Healthy
Nicotine, the addictive component in tobacco, has a side effect of causing the blood vessels to constrict. This makes it harder for the gums to receive adequate blood flow, impeding their ability to heal and fight infections. This can make it more likely for a patient to develop gum disease, making their dentures less comfortable and ruining the way they fit. Gum disease can usually be reversed in its early stages, but doing this is a lot harder if the patient continues their tobacco habit.
Tobacco Can Stain Your Dentures
One of the main reasons people replace their lost teeth with dentures is so that they can enjoy a beautiful smile again. Unfortunately, tobacco use can leave a variety of unsightly stains and deposits on your dentures. Nicotine can lead to yellowish stains forming on the crowns, and the other chemicals can leave brownish residues that accumulate in the nooks and crannies of the appliance. One of the best ways to protect the appearance of your investment is to avoid tobacco entirely.
Don’t let a tobacco habit ruin the beautiful smile you’ve invested so much time and resources into. Quitting the habit can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your health and your wallet.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Geller earned his dental degree from the University of Detroit and has remained committed to continuing education ever since. He is also a member of the Motor City Study Club and the International Team for Implantology. His office in Novi, MI, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To schedule a denture consultation, contact the office online or dial (248) 926-4030.