Frequently Asked Questions

Smoking

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question How will a smoker know if their gums are being damaged?

Answer Attend your dentist for regular checkups because a major problem of smoking is that it tends to disguise the damage taking place. At a glance the gums of smokers look as if they are healthy. Usually infected gums are red, puffy and bleed easily when they are brushed. Smokers' gums are not like this - they are pale and thin and do not bleed readily. The appearance, however, is very deceptive. The nicotine in tobacco smoke is called a vaso-constrictor - it acts on blood vessels to contract them (in a similar way to when a garden hose is being twisted) reducing the blood flow to the gum and bone. The lessened blood supply does two things; it masks the signs of disease and also undermines the body's ability to combat the infection. In the meantime chemicals in the smoke combined with plaque bacteria continue to damage the gums and bone. Most of the deterioration is deep and out of sight. Unfortunately, there are only a few early warning signs.

More questions in this category:

Can I protect my mouth if I smoke?
Does smoking affect the teeth, gums or mouth?
Does smoking always lead to gum disease?
Does smoking lead to oral cancer?
Does smoking make the teeth loose?
Does smoking stain the teeth?
How will a smoker know if their gums are being damaged?