SMOKERS AND GINGIVITIS: PROPER PREVENTION METHODS FOR THIS PROBLEM

Oral healthcare is profoundly affected by a variety of different behaviors, including smoking. One of the most problematic issues affected by smoking is an increased risk of gingivitis. Anybody who struggles to quit smoking needs to understand the connection between smoking, gingivitis, and the preventative steps they must take to avoid periodontitis.

How Gingivitis Begins

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums triggered by bacteria spreading from the tooth to the gums. Bacteria growth occurs when people fail to take care of the food particles in their mouth and then let these particles become meals for the bacteria lingering inside their body.

The common nature of gingivitis — and its relatively easy-to-treat nature — make it an issue that can be easily managed by visiting a high-quality dentist. However, smokers need to understand how their bad habit worsens their risk of this danger and how they can prevent gingivitis.

Why Smoking Contributes to Gingivitis

Though anyone can develop gingivitis without proper dental care, smokers experience it more frequently. In fact, some statistics state that smokers have double the risk of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) as that of non-smokers. And the more a person smokes, the higher their disease risk rises.

This increased risk occurs because smoking leaves a residue on the teeth that serves as an excellent food source for bacteria. Beyond that, smokers also have other health problems that not only increase their risk of gingivitis but make periodontitis more likely.

When Gingivitis Becomes Periodontitis

Gingivitis is just the first stage in gum disease. When gingivitis is left untreated or managed poorly, a person is likely to develop periodontitis. This disease pairs with a broader spread of bacteria throughout the mouth, the teeth, and the gums. When this bacteria gets pronounced enough in the mouth, the first layer of the gums and the jaw bone begins to separate from the teeth.

This separation creates small pockets along the gumline that let bacteria and other types of debris inside. When this happens, a chain reaction will occur that will trigger severe dental decay. These reactions include the body's immune system trying to manage the infection by attacking affected gum and bone tissue. Unfortunately, this problem can quickly spiral out of control.

Even worse, smokers are particularly prone to this problem because of the ways their habit affects their gums. For example, excessive smoking decrease's the body's ability to heal from damage. As a result, the injuries caused by periodontitis will likely only get worse and put a real strain on a person's oral health. Thankfully, prevention methods help to manage the spread of these issues.

How to Prevent These Problems

The first step in preventing gingivitis and periodontitis is to quit smoking. The American Lung Association suggests talking to a doctor about cessation aids, such as nicotine-replacement tools, and reaching out to support groups, such as Quitter's Circle. Groups like these can help an individual stay on the path to a smoke-free life.

Ex-smokers should also take preventive steps at home, such as rinsing their mouth out with a high-quality wash every day. Doing so will wash food particles out of their mouth and kill bacteria that may be lingering in hard-to-reach areas. Regularly cleaning the teeth with toothbrushes and floss also helps to minimize the potential spread of gingivitis through the mouth.

Who Can Help With This Problem

After a person quits smoking, they should then visit their dentist to get an assessment of their overall oral health. These professionals can check to see any potential for gingivitis. Dentists who notice any problems can then eliminate gingivitis with proper treatment methods, such as cleaning and flossing teeth. Contact Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC, to get the help that you need.