Smoke and Mirrors – And Dentures! How Tobacco Can Affect Your False Teeth

Smoking is a complicated habit that’s difficult to address. No one’s denying that. Still, knowledge is power, as they say. Tobacco can have some unique effects on dentures, so if you’re going to receive this replacement, you should be aware of the risks. Keep reading to stay informed about what chronic smoking can do to your dentures.

Nicotine Impairs Healing

The nicotine present in tobacco products narrows your blood vessels, making it more difficult for them to effectively support your blood flow. At the same time, the cells within your blood vessels weaken, and the plaque you pick up from food takes advantage by hitching a ride straight to your arteries.

“Interesting,” you might be thinking, “but what’s with the science lesson?

When your blood flow is restricted like this, it’s harder for your body to facilitate healing. Ultimately, smoking will interfere with tooth extraction recovery and healing from denture sores. You could even wind up with a serious infection, like gum disease.

Gum Disease Accelerates Bone Loss

A complex combination of slower healing and increased risk for gum disease is, unfortunately, a good recipe for jawbone loss. Patients who contract gum disease often experience receding gumlines. The more your gums pull back, the less support your teeth have. It’s not uncommon for them to fall out completely in advanced cases.

Your jawbone needs your teeth in order to receive stimulation. Without signals telling it that it’s still serving a vital bodily function, your jawbone will atrophy and deteriorate. To make matters worse, smoking also impairs calcium absorption and bone production. No bone-growth means there’s nothing to offset the rate of deterioration, and your jawbone will recede much faster.

Smoking Increases Oral Discomfort

Finally and most simply, smoking will affect your overall comfort while wearing dentures. For one thing, the chemicals can easily irritate your gums, which is never fun. Throw a slippery pair of new dentures into the mix and you’re primed for sores and blisters. For another thing, the constant wear and tear on your gumline will change how your dentures fit in your mouth. You’ll likely struggle to keep them in place and find yourself needing to have them adjusted or replaced far more often.

All told, smoking with dentures just isn’t good for your health or comfort. If you’d rather avoid these problems, lean on your support network for help. Quitting cold turkey is extremely difficult, but loved ones, therapists, doctors, and online resources can help you limit your habit. Resisting the urge to smoke just a few times a week can make a huge difference in the long run!

About the Practice

Our team at Tzagournis Dental Group of Westerville believes in empowering patients and their oral health. We take the time to get to know you so we can provide truly personalized recommendations and ensure that you’re well-informed about your care and treatment options. Whether you need a set of dentures or a helping hand for your dental habits, we’ll be happy to assist you. To get in touch, you can contact our office at 614-882-4032.