The habit of smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products have caused so many dental and other health problems for a very long time. The age of smokers get younger and the effects even more damaging to the developing bodies of these teenagers and young adults. Smoking is definitely a habit you don’t want to get into.

Cigarette smoking makes you prone to gum diseases. The chemicals that rush to your mouth and oral tissues affect the attachment of the jawbone and your gum tissues to your teeth. The chemicals interfere with normal functions of your nerves and tissues that prevent healing and nutrient absorption for your teeth and gums. This makes your body weak and susceptible to infections like periodontal disease that resulted in bloodstream and damage more organs of your body.

Here is a list of effects that habitual smoking does to your dental health.

Salivary Gland Inflammation. The thousands of chemicals present in cigarettes cause inflammation of your salivary glands and tissues on the roof of your mouth. This will cause the salivary gland to produce less saliva. Without saliva, bacteria and acid levels in your mouth will rise. This makes smokers prone to tooth decay and cavities. The saliva is supposed to wash away the bacteria and the acids to clean your teeth.

Bad breath. Smokers are easily spotted when they talk as they have funky breath. The bad breath is caused by the high acid levels and bacteria that cause rot or decay to teeth. Bacteria continuously produce acid by-products that cause the mouth to have a foul smell.

Tooth discoloration. Tooth staining is one of the most immediate and noticeable effects of smoking. Smokers tend to develop tobacco stains that range from yellow, brown to dark brown and even black.

Gum disease. Smoking puts you on a high risk of gum disease as your immune system weakens. The chemicals in cigarettes let toxins and bacterial infections penetrate gum tissues and prevent healing. This leads to more health problems if left untreated.

High risk of oral cancer. The changes and bruises that chemicals and toxins bring about to your mouth can cause genetic changes to your oral tissues that can develop into oral cancers. When you smoke, you are exposing your oral tissues, teeth, and gums to carcinogenic chemicals through inhalation and direct contact.

Loss of jaw bone. Aside from gum disease, cigarette smoking can lead to the depletion of your bone mass as the chemicals prevent your body from absorbing calcium.

Regardless of how long of a smoker you are, quitting and kicking the habit can greatly reduce your risk of serious health problems. There are plenty of options to quit smoking like herbal medicine, acupuncture, and hypnosis. Just find a dentist in San Jose California that suits your needs. Your dentist or doctor can also offer medications to ease the nicotine cravings. You can also add classes or group therapy in addition to these medications which are offered in your local hospitals. This approach will encourage smoking cessations as people who are willing to stop the habit and old ways can easily be treatable.