

Possible mechanisms through which smoking affects the progress of periodontal diseases include its effects on the composition of plaque, as well as its effects on the body’s response to the disease. There is also evidence that the rate of progression of periodontitis is more rapid among smokers. Recent studies have revealed an association between smoking and more severe periodontitis.Īfter allowing for the effects of oral hygiene and the patient’s age, smoking has been shown to be associated with deeper periodontal pockets and more loss of bone that holds the teeth in the jaws. The main implication of this finding is that the lack of gingival bleeding in smokers may lead to a failure to recognise the presence of periodontal diseases in them.Īnd this would allow the gingivitis to progress further to periodontitis as a lack of diagnosis naturally means a lack of treatment. The reduced gum bleeding might also be due to the narrowing of gum blood vessels caused by smoking. Hence, it appears that smoking may suppress the body’s normal immune response to the accumulation of plaque. This liquid found in the gums is known as gingival crevicular fluid. However, smokers show less gingival inflammatory changes, with less gum bleeding, gum redness and reduced liquid flow from within the gum tissues. The rate of plaque accumulation is similar in smokers and non-smokers. Heavy smokers often present with thicker, harder and pale-looking gum tissue. However, smoking is also associated with a decreased flow of saliva, which may explain the increased tendency of those with this habit to form tartar. These differences can be attributed to less regular tooth-brushing habits, which is particularly evident in male smokers! The bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place can break down, and your teeth may loosen and need to be pulled out.Įpidemiological studies have provided evidence that tobacco smokers have poorer oral hygiene than non-smokers, as well as increased quantities of tartar. This is severe gum disease and is called periodontitis. periodontal pockets) that can get infected with the bacteria found in plaque. If the disease is allowed to get worse, your gums will pull away from your teeth and form spaces (i.e. This build-up leads to early gum disease, known as gingivitis. If the bacteria within plaque stays on your teeth for too long, several layers of plaque and tartar, or dental calculus (hardened plaque), will develop.

Plaque accumulates on the teeth if you do not clean them satisfactorily. Plaque is derived from saliva and gets contaminated by the abundant bacteria that are present in the oral cavity. Gum disease starts with bacteria that originate from a sticky, white film called plaque, which can be found on your teeth.

In severe cases, it can make your teeth fall out. Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums and can damage the soft tissues and bone structure that support your teeth.
