It is becoming more common to see young people and even school children smoking. They think it looks cool and grown up, but they are becoming addicted to smoking and recent studies say that it is showing up in their mouths.

Not only are there more cases of mouth cancer surfacing but there are several other problems that smoking causes. The most obvious is bad breath and dry mouth because of the reduction of saliva which cleanses the mouth, closely followed by stained teeth, bone loss from around the teeth which may result in loss of teeth, shrinking gums is another way of losing your teeth and also causes bad breath, mouth sores which do not heal properly, a decrease in the sense of taste and smell and other types of mouth sores and lesions. Two of the most unpleasant conditions caused by smoking are:

1. A hairy tongue which is caused by over production of proteins such as keratin on the tastebuds in the mouth, keratin is also present in skin, hair and nails.

2. Leukoplakia is an irritation of the mouth often caused by tobacco. It can appear on the tongue or the inside of the cheek like a mouth sore and could eventually become cancer.

Tobacco contains many substances known to be destructive to the body’s cells. The nicotine contained in tobacco causes the blood vessels in the mouth and gums to constrict and narrow. This in turn affects the flow of blood to the tissues in the mouth. In recent trials it has been noted that while smoking a cigarette, the blood flow in the mouth decreases by up to 70%. Tobacco can also affect the body’s immune system, leaving the body open to countless other infections.

Chewing tobacco also releases a variety of chemicals into the body and can result in mouth ulcers, cracked or bleeding lips and can lead to cancer of the mouth, throat and gums.

It is well known that people who smoke have more hardened dental plaque than people who do not smoke. Very hard dental plaque is impossible remove yourself, it can only be successfully removed by the hygienist with specialised instruments.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, call Dentist Essex - for a free consultation on 01708 442114 or email: care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk