Smoking Dental Challenges
Smoking is a major risk factor for developing gum disease (periodontitis), the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
- Smokers are about twice as likely to develop gum disease as non-smokers, with some studies showing up to a fourfold increase in risk for severe cases.
- Continued smoking can reduce your healing response by up to 50% during periodontal treatment.
- Cigar, pipe, and smokeless tobacco use also increase the risk of gum problems.
Symptoms of Gum Disease in Smokers
Smokers may not show the usual early signs of gum disease - such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums - because nicotine constricts blood vessels, making these warning signals. However, other symptoms such as bone loss and periodontal pockets may still develop and progress without obvious early signs.
Why Quitting Smoking Helps Oral Health
The best step you can take for your mouth and overall health is to quit smoking. Stopping cannot reverse past damage, but it:
- Slows the disease process
- Improves gum health
- Helps treatment outcomes approach those of non-
Daily Oral Care for Smokers
If you have gum disease linked to smoking or tobacco use, daily oral hygiene is critical:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth once per day
- Add a Waterpik™ Water Flosser to your routine
Clinical research shows that people treated for gum disease who used a Waterpik® Water Flosser had greater reductions in bleeding and gingivitis compared to those who did not.
Even after professional treatment, some gum pockets may remain. These are difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone. A Waterpik ™ water flosser with a Pik Pocket™ Tip gently delivers water or antimicrobial rinse deep into periodontal pockets, making cleaning more effective than dental floss.
➡ For more information, see NHS – Gum disease.