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Tobacco Products and Their Impact on My Mouth

tobacco productsThere is no longer any debate about there being many adverse effects associated with tobacco use in any form. Tobacco has strong and direct ties with many different types of cancer and oral concerns. However, there are still large amounts of misinformation swirling across the internet and popular culture. To dispel a number of those myths, we decided to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about tobacco use and the effects that it has on your overall oral health.

Why do teeth get stained from smoking?

First, it is essential to clarify that while smoking does have some additional factors that play into the yellowing or staining of teeth, this is true for other types of tobacco use as well. The ingredients within tobacco, typically the nicotine and tar, are responsible for giving your teeth a yellowish appearance. 

Additionally, the actual smoke and heat from smoking help to further stain and seal the stains onto your teeth. Many heavy smokers will find that their teeth can actually appear brown from smoking rather than just yellow. In addition, the staining is often uneven and blotchy, attaching itself to impurities in the teeth.

How does tobacco use impact my oral health?

There are many negative side effects associated with the use of tobacco. One of the most overlooked aspects is the effect that tobacco has on your immune system. Research shows that using any type of tobacco depresses your immune system making you less ready to fight off infection and sickness. Smokers are more prone to having relatively small infections become a much bigger issue.

In addition, tobacco use leads to a buildup of more plaque than non-smokers. In turn, plaque leads to gum disease. To compound this problem even further, smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, which prohibits your body’s ability to heal the gums. Currently, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults.

The use of chewing tobacco also has a negative effect on your gums and can affect their ability to attach to the teeth properly. This leaves the roots of the teeth exposed to increased infection and cavity rates.

I know that smoking is linked to lung cancer, but what does that have to do with oral health?

While most of the focus on smoking is certainly linked to lung cancer, smoking and tobacco use is also the leading cause of mouth cancer. Even though this type of cancer gets less of the attention, it is still a potentially fatal condition and kills thousands of people every year. 

Additionally, surgeries to remove cancer from the mouth can have a devastating effect on a person’s quality of life because teeth or substantial portions of the mouth must be removed in order to clear cancer. This can change how a person has to eat, speak, and even breathe.

tobacco useAren’t there special toothpastes to remove yellowing from smoking?

There are a variety of different products on the market that are targeted specifically at smokers because of their increased need for better oral care. Some of the most popular products are toothpastes that are designed to remove the yellowing caused by smoking. These toothpastes tend to be abrasive in order to scrape away the discoloration. 

If you are considering using one of these toothpastes, you should speak with your dentist first. Abrasive toothpastes are not recommended for patients who have dental implants as they can scratch and damage the surface of the tooth. In addition, the prolonged use of abrasive toothpastes can remove the protective coating on your teeth, leaving them more vulnerable to infection.

How often should tobacco users see the dentist?

Currently, we still recommend that people who use tobacco products should come in just as regularly as non-smokers, twice a year. However, smokers often require more work than people who do not smoke due to the excess buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth, and the likelihood that smokers may have more dental issues than non-smokers. While dental care is vital for everybody, tobacco users must be far more diligent with their oral health, because small problems can quickly become more severe for them.

What can a dentist do for me?

Dentists work with patients who smoke every single day, so any issues that smokers may be having have been seen before. A dentist may recommend specific products or help you dial in a better oral routine. However, if you would like to stop smoking, dental offices also carry information on how to help you quit.

Also, dentists will be sure to look for issues that more frequently affect the smoker, such as lesions in the mouth that can be indicative of cancer. These sores can be found on the cheeks, gums, tongue, or the roof of the mouth.

If you want more information or would like help quitting, call Lockhart Dental today at (317) 849-9715 to schedule your appointment and see the difference we can make in your life.

 

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  • 8202 Clearvista Parkway, Suite 4C, Indianapolis, IN 46256
 

Testimonials

  • Gerald B.
    “Approximately 4:45 p.m., a crown came completely out. I immediately called Dr. Lockhart’s office to see if he was available. He was so 15 minutes later; I walked into his office. I was seen immediately; the tooth was prepped and recemented. Less than a half-hour after the tooth came out, it was back in, and I was on my way to the Pacer game. Great job!”
    Gerald B.
  • Steve E.
    “I’ve had several teeth extracted, and can say unequivocally this was the easiest one to date. The tooth was out before I knew it, no muss, no fuss.”
    Steve E.
  • Jessica C.
    “I am never disappointed with Dr. Lockhart’s service. I have been seeing him for my dental care for a few years now and it seems that my dental health has only improved since I began seeing him. I value how straight forward and honest he is with his patients. I would recommend him to everyone!”
    Jessica C.
  • Linda A.
    “Everyone is professional and so friendly. They take the time to explain the procedures, and make you feel very comfortable in a very relaxed atmosphere. If you don’t like going to a dentist for whatever reason, I suggest you try Dr. Lockhart!”
    Linda A.
  • Karen P.
    “At the doctor’s recommendation, an old silver filling was replaced with enamel. This accomplished two things. It provided an opportunity to assess the health of the tooth-as it is a deep and old filling. And secondly it improved the visual of the mouth by having a filling material which blends with the tooth color. Though no further care is needed at this time, it is valuable to know what may be necessary going forward which eliminates the dreaded element of surprise in dental care. Dr. Lockhart and his staff create a comfortable, caring environment which puts the patient at ease while undergoing what might otherwise be an anxiety filled procedure. All aspects of the office visit were professional, efficient and most important of all – painless.”
    Karen P.
  • Joseph O.
    “Great environment, courteous friendly and professional staff. I look forward to my dental visits because Danelle is welcoming and focused on my dental health and Dr Lockhart is always attentive and clear in his care and explanations.”
    Joseph O.
  • Heather B.
    “Above and beyond! Our son broke off a tooth on A Tuesday evening. Dr. Lockhart and his staff are not scheduled to be in the office on Wednesdays. We nevertheless called the emergency number he provided first thing Wednesday morning. Dr. Lockhart promptly returned our call and we made arrangements to meet at the office. Dr. Lockhart was very thorough with his examination. He and McKenzie took great care of our son and got him fixed up. Always the highest level of care and customer service. THANK YOU!”
    Heather B.
  • Anne M.
    “I highly recommend Lockhart Dentistry to all my friends. After 30 years I finally made the decision to get crowns and braces. In less then 6 months, my treatment is over and I can smile with confidence. Thank you Dr. Lockhart, and your wonderful staff. I truly wonder why I waited so long!”
    Anne M.
  • Kyle C.
    “Always a great and efficient visit. Extremely caring and have seen amazing progress for not being in a long time!”
    Kyle C.
  • Lawrence M.
    “Great dentistry ! Top notch all around.“
    Lawrence M.
  • Gregg J.
    “Experience and Tech Savvy. Dr Lockhart has more experience and is more technologically savvy than any dentist I’ve been to in my 54 years.”
    Gregg J.
  • Cassie R.
    “Happy to have found a dentist in my neighborhood for my entire family!”
    Cassie R.
  • Don G.
    “Nice place to visit but don’t want to live there. I generally do not like surveys or questionnaires and am only answering this one because I like you.”
    Don G.
  • Linda M.
    “When I think of Lockhart Dentistry, the terms “kindness, promptness, professionalism, and effectiveness” come to mind.”
    Linda M.
  • Thomas H.
    “Lockhart Dentistry is a step above all others. Great enthusiastic staff that genuinely enjoy their jobs. Ingrid goes out of her way to make sure each visit is enjoyable and she is very thorough in explaining what she is doing throughout my examination. Every appointment I have had has been on schedule, very little time spent waiting in lobby, which is very important to me from a work and family perspective. I like the fact that they have email and text reminders too!!!”
    Thomas H.
  • Clarence H.
    “Best Long Term Dental Care. My wife and I have been patients of Dr. Lockhart for over 20 years. From routine bi-annual cleanings and checkups to implants, crowns and partial bridges that I’ve had through the years; Dr. Lockhart and his team have always provided the very best of care.”
    Clarence H.
  • Dee B.
    "Highly recommend! I’ve been. With Dr Lockhart 25+ years….since he was at 71st and Shadeland. I had some serious issues that Dr Lockhart and his staff have helped me overcome. I can’t say enough great things about them (I even got my husband to join me there). Thank you so much to Lockhart Dentistry."
    Dee B.
  • Joan M.
    Routine 6 month cleaning and check. Have been a patient of Lockhart Dentistry since Doc came to Indianapolis. The entire staff is friendly and caring and works hard to make sure you are comfortable no matter what service is being provided.
    Joan M.
  • Nicole B.
    "Great place, people are friendly and very nice. Dr. Lockhart always has an alternative or solution to my issues. I love Danielle! I always ask for her to do my cleaning. My teeth always feel extra clean."
    Nicole B.
  • Laurie P.
    Wonderful experience! Very thorough and friendly!
    Laurie P.
  • Deborah W.
    "Dr. Bruce and his staff are amazing, kind, very caring. They take care of you like one of their own!"
    Deborah W.