Smoking and Gum Disease

If you think that smoking has effect on the heart and lung only, you better think again. Recent studies have proved that smoking and gum disease are connected. Although the connection of smoking and gum disease is very well known, experts had just recently done a national study to prove the connection between smoking and gum disease. Researchers say that although smoking is one of the risk factor of gum disease, it is the “one” factor that is influenced by the individual who have gum disease.

Lots and lots of opinions have come out regarding the connection of smoking and gum disease. The nicotine and smoke of tobacco can cause constriction of the blood vessels, thus, reducing the distribution of oxygen and nutrients to the gum tissue. Cigarette smoking or chewing spit tobacco can also reduce the ability of the body to fight infections. Another study also proves that smokers are more prone to specific bacteria that can cause more aggressive gum disease.

The impact of all the research is that smokers have the highest possibility to have gum disease (making ex smokers having the second highest probability and non smokers last). Former smokers and non smokers also have better response to treatment of gum disease than those individuals who still smoke, thereby concluding that, individuals with gum disease that stopped smoking have better chance of achieving success with gum disease therapy than those who did not. Individuals who are currently active in smoking are four times more apt to have gum disease.

Researchers say that the link that connect smoking and gum disease is very much apparent. Recent studies shows that fifty-five percent of the study subject that has gum diseases were current smokers and almost twenty-two percent were ex smokers. The current smokers that average more than one to one and a half pack of cigarettes per day have six times more apt to have gum diseases than the subjects who do not smoke. And those who consume less than a pack a day have three times more probability to have gum disease.

The linkage between smoking and gum disease is caused by the suppression of the immune system of the body because of the tobacco, which reduces its ability against infection. Smoking also slows down the healing process of the gum tissue because it restricts the growth of the blood vessels.

Currents smoker are known to have worse oral and gum condition than those who do not smoke. Quitting smoking and exercising regular oral hygiene routine is very important for the well being of your gums. You don’t only save the physical condition of your teeth and gums; you also save your health. It is time that you throw away that vice and have a clean and healthy lifestyle.