Quitting smoking is easier said than done!

Smokers all know that their general health is seriously threatened as well as that of those around them. With each puff of a cigarette, a smoker breathes in 4,700 harmful chemicals including carbon monoxide and nicotine.

Smokers are about 4 times more likely than people who have never smoked to have periodontal disease. The defenses of the gums are reduced, which favors the loosening of the teeth .

For the smoker, apparently everything is fine, the gums do not bleed, do not swell, but slowly retract. Smoking masks a number of symptoms of the disease, such as bleeding.

• Nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline which is a vasoconstrictor and decreases the diameter of blood vessels.

• Carbon monoxide is responsible for a decrease in oxygen transport in the tissues.

• The bac generates oxidative stress which prevents correct cell renewal.

Blood depleted in oxygen and poor irrigation of the gums lead to a reduction in inflammatory signs and thus delay the diagnosis of the pathology with the implementation of an appropriate treatment.

Certain acts of dental surgery (dental implant, gum graft, dental extractions), can be compromised by tobacco because the decrease in the vascularization of the gum and bone results in less good healing. The risk of painful surgery is increased because the protective blood clot has difficulty forming and the mucous membranes are asphyxiated.

Tobacco is also a major source of halitosis. The loss of taste and smell are also effects experienced by the smoker.

Dental lightening is not prohibited but the effects of the treatment last less. On the other hand, it can be an excellent source of motivation to quit smoking.

Finally, let's not forget that smoking is the leading cause of cancer of the mouth and throat. More regular visits are needed to check the condition of the gums and mucous membranes.

We are able to prescribe nicotine substitutes and support you during your smoking cessation.

Talk about it at your next meeting.