Toothache quitting smoking

Smoking is related to several adverse effects on our body. The harmful effects of smoking on people is widely shared all over the Earth. But that doesn’t stop some of us from smoking. We are primarily addicted to nicotine. Thanks to various organisations and Governments all over the world, smoking population is becoming less. We are all well versed that stopping smoking slowly reverses several of its ill effects. But does this apply to Oral health also. Does smoking increases the chances of Oral health disorders. Let us explore the effects of after quitting smoking.

Toothache quitting smoking 

Smoking may mask underlying oral health issues. Smoking has many direct adverse effects on Oral cavity such as gum diseases, tooth loss, delayed healing after oral surgical procedures, enhancing the chance of oral cancers and more. While smoking exposes many adverse health issues it may mask adverse oral health issues. When you stop smoking, some oral health issues may subside and return to healthy environment. Immediate effects after cessation of smoking makes you think that the Oral health issues which got exposed are effects of quitting smoking while they are effects of smoking. We must try to increase our awareness about Oral health issues of smoking and consult the Dentist for regular follow-up after quitting smoking.

Conditions which may seem after quitting smoking:

Some of the conditions which may seem as after effects of smoking are bleeding gums, ulcers, tooth ache and sensitivity.

Smoking has many adverse oral effects such as increasing chances of gum diseases, bone loss, chances of Oral Cancer while delaying healing of Oral surgeries. Smoking decreases blood circulation inside the Oral Cavity, promotes bad bacteria leading to decay and sensitivity. 

Smoking decreases blood circulation inside the Oral Cavity. Usually, blood circulation increases the chances of quicker healing. Healing is very crucial after surgical procedures such as Gum surgeries, Extractions, facial trauma, cyst removal and other surgical procedures. After the placement of Dental Implants, smoking increases the chance of failure due to prolonged healing phase. After the cessation of smoking, blood circulation, gradually, increases. This may cause frequent bleeding of gums which may alert us. This scares us to visit the Dentist, who will investigate the cause and provide relevant treatment.

Tooth Decay

Smoking weakens immune response in the body leading to longer healing times. It indirectly causes increase in the number of harmful bacteria resulting in plaque, calculus buildup. This is will cause tooth decay, bad breath and gum diseases.  Gum disease involves gum inflammation and gum damage leading to Gingivitis. It may further progress to underlying tissues causing periodontal diseases. This disease condition progresses to underlying bone, causing bone destruction. If this goes on then there are chances of loosing tooth become high. So, smokers may have relatively more cavities with toothache. Once you stop smoking, this symptoms will be more noticeable.

Prompt visit to Dentist office and treatment can save teeth. Depending upon the condition, Dentist may suggest Root canal Treatment, Gum related treatments or both. Gum treatments may be professional ultrasound scaling, Curettage, or Flap Surgery.