We all have heard how smoking is bad for your lungs and other systems of your body. Now recent studies in gum disease has shown us conclusive evidence that smoking is not good for your mouth either.
Smoking puts a person at an increased risk for gum disease or periodontal disease.
In the past, most dental professionals could tell you that their patients that smoked did not heal as well as nonsmokers after cleanings, after fillings and crowns, and after tooth extractions and implant placement. The effects of smoking are even seen in younger smokers as their gums shows a more rapid progression of periodontal disease, making their mouth look older than it really was. A smoker's mouth shows not only signs of permanent tooth stain that we all note with smokers, but there is thickening of the gum, with increased areas of recession, where the gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth. The tongue looks darkened and coated in most cases. Teeth also show increased wear on their biting surfaces.