Smoking tobacco can cause several different medical problems. Most people are aware that smoking is bad for their health. However, the damage that smoking does to the teeth, gums and mouth is not as well-known. Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and, in more severe cases, mouth cancer.

Smoking can increase bacterial plaque formation, which may lead to gum disease. Blood supply is restricted in smokers, which limits the healing capacity of the gums. Consequently, gum disease will develop quicker in smokers than in non-smokers.

Electronic cigarettes or vapes deliver nicotine without many of the cancer-causing chemicals that smoking tobacco produces. Using these devices can be a way of giving up smoking. However, while they are believed to be considerably less damaging, they cannot be assumed to be harmless. Currently, one of the major health concerns is flavourings. From a dental perspective, the flavours can be sticky, sweet and acidic – all of which have the potential to damage the tooth surfaces. Giving up smoking is the single most beneficial thing you can do for your oral and general health.