Both medical and dental professionals vehemently discourage smoking owing to its addictive properties. Although quitting at any point is advantageous, if you’re contemplating dentures, your dentist will strongly advise discontinuing the habit sooner rather than later. Smoking not only endangers the well-being of your new teeth but also significantly elevates the risk of facing grave oral and systemic health complications. Keep reading to grasp the potential consequences of persisting with smoking while wearing dentures, and to explore effective strategies to relinquish this detrimental behavior.
Risks of Smoking for Denture Wearers
Inhaling smoke initiates a innate protective response in your gums, causing them to toughen as a means to shield the sensitive tissues. Nonetheless, whether you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, this practice can result in gradual gum shrinkage and recession. Consequently, these alterations in your gum tissue can influence the snugness of your dentures.
Dentures that don’t fit properly can give rise to a range of problems such as sores, inflammation, and infections. Thorough research has confirmed a link between improperly fitting dentures and various health issues, notably a heightened susceptibility to oral cancer.
Considering that tobacco consumption is tied to 90% of oral cancer instances, the convergence of ill-fitting dentures and smoking can further amplify your risk. Smoking also narrows blood vessels, which hinders gum healing and increases the likelihood of infections. Furthermore, it harms dentures, reducing their lifespan and impacting their visual appeal, resulting in staining and persistent bad breath.
6 Tips to Stop Smoking
Putting an end to smoking enables gums to regenerate, providing support for dentures and averting gum and bone loss. This action diminishes the risks of cancer and various health concerns, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Overcoming nicotine addiction might be challenging, but these useful tips can steer you in the right direction:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges are available for purchase, or your doctor can prescribe medications specifically crafted to aid individuals in quitting smoking.
- Avoid Triggers: Recognize triggers that prompt your desire to smoke and either eliminate them or acquire strategies to steer clear of them, thereby preventing a potential relapse.
- Exercise: Participating in physical activity can redirect your focus from cravings and assist in keeping you engaged.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: When you cease smoking, stress levels might increase, so consider adopting novel relaxation techniques. These could involve deep breathing, practicing yoga, listening to music, and more.
- Get Support: Enroll in a program designed for quitting smoking and seek assistance from online communities.
- Delay Technique: When the urge to smoke strikes, try delaying the craving by involving yourself in an activity to distract you.
Making several attempts before successfully saying goodbye to tobacco is a common experience. Persistence and motivation are key factors in embracing a healthier mouth and body!
About Dr. Katherine Whitaker
For individuals in pursuit of dental care that cultivates a vibrant smile, our team at Rosemeade Dental stands as the ideal option. They hold great pride in delivering comforting, dependable, and individualized care to Rolling Meadows patients. Furthermore, they provide valuable information about the advantages of dentures for individuals with missing teeth and underscore the significance of quitting smoking to ensure the triumph of your newfound smile. To arrange an appointment with the Rosemeade Dental team or to gather more details about dentures, explore their website or call (972) 446-1111.