Try giving up smoking to improve your gum health

Alongside gum disease, smoking also causes bad breath, tooth staining, tooth loss and mouth cancer.

Smoking increases bacterial plaque whilst reducing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the gums. It generates free radicals that delay the healing process, making the gums more susceptible to infection.

We always ask whether and how much you smoke. And if you do, we advise how it affects your health and recommend you cut back and preferably, stop. We can also point you in the direction of nearby ’stop smoking’ clinics if you would like any further help. You can also contact your GP or local pharmacy for quit smoking advice.

Gum disease is the single biggest cause of tooth loss and it affects three out of four adults and more than half of all teenagers. It causes toothache, sensitivity, bad breath and bleeding gums and has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, bacterial lung infections, premature births and strokes.

Recent studies are also looking into links with dementia. The good news is that with regular visits to your dentist, and especially your hygienist, as well as a meticulous dental hygiene routine at home, gum disease can be controlled.

If you have any questions, please ask us at your next appointment or give us a call for more information.