New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
It is well-known that smoking can damage teeth. But what if you do not have any natural teeth and are in the process of getting dentures? That does not mean smoking is okay. In fact, this habit can be just as bad for prosthetic teeth as it is for genuine ones. How does smoking affect dentures? This blog post discusses that important question.
Smoking Accelerates Bone Loss
When the natural teeth go missing, the bone that once supported them begins to deteriorate. Eventually, this process causes the shape of the jaw to change to the point where dentures can no longer be adjusted to fit properly. It becomes necessary to purchase an entirely new prosthetic.
Bone loss happens in both people who smoke and those who have never touched a cigarette. However, the bone loss is accelerated in smokers. Therefore, you may have to replace your teeth more frequently than someone who does not smoke.
Smoking Can Make Dentures Less Comfortable
Smoking contributes to inflammation throughout the mouth, causing sensitive soft tissues to swell and ache. Even if your dentures are well-fitted to your unique mouth, it may be difficult for you to wear them on top of your inflamed gums. If you do manage to wear them, your ability to speak easily and eat normally may be hindered.
Smoking Causes Stains
The base of dentures is usually made of acrylic, whereas the teeth may be either acrylic or porcelain. Porcelain is more resistant to discoloration than acrylic, but ultimately, both types of dentures can incur stains over time. This issue is particularly prominent among individuals who smoke. The ingredients in cigarette smoke may make your teeth lose their original beauty much earlier than they would otherwise.
Smoking Increases Odors
The scent of cigarette smoke can invade the tiny pores in your dentures, causing them to take on an unpleasant odor and taste. You might find that you have bad breath even if you make every effort to keep your denture clean.
How Can You Quit?
Your overall wellness, your oral health, and your dentures will benefit greatly if you quit smoking. Admittedly, though, kicking the habit can seem like a nearly insurmountable challenge. Here are a few tips that might help you:
- Talk to your primary care physician. They may be able to offer advice or a prescription medication that can help you say goodbye to cigarettes.
- Try reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke. Going cold turkey is extremely difficult, and it may be dangerous in some cases. You might start by simply cutting back on how many cigarettes you smoke each day.
- Do not give up! Most people who successfully quit smoking do not do so on their first try. Keep at it, and eventually, your efforts will pay off.
Smoking is bad for your smile — even if you have lost all of your natural teeth! It would be in your best interests to quit the habit ASAP.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group is home to a large team of general dentists and specialists, all of whom are eager to provide top-quality care to our community. If you have questions about dentures or denture maintenance, we would be pleased to speak with you. Reach out to our office at 203-712-4068.