Whether you’ve been a lifelong smoker or just recently picked up the habit, the harmful effects of nicotine can take a toll on more than just your overall health. If you wear dentures, the problem can begin inside your mouth, putting your oral structures and custom prosthetics at risk. Find out why it’s best to avoid all tobacco products while wearing dentures so that you can enjoy a healthier, stronger smile in the future.
What’s Wrong with Smoking & Wearing Dentures?
There are many reasons why your dentist will likely recommend that you stop smoking while wearing dentures. Apart from the fact that it is harmful to your overall health, affecting your lungs, brain, and other vital organs, it also plays a role in the lifespan and well-being of your smile.
If you’re unsure why smoking is so bad for your dentures, here are a few reasons to consider:
- Potential Bone Loss – Missing teeth are known to cause bone resorption. It also causes the jawbone to change shape. When choosing to smoke, this happens more rapidly, resulting in more frequent relinements and replacements, which ultimately means you’ll be required to spend more money in a shorter amount of time.
- Staining – It’s no secret that nicotine stains teeth. Just because dentures are not porous like natural tooth enamel doesn’t mean they will not experience the same staining effects. If you want your new smile to maintain its whiter appearance, kick the habit.
- Foul Odors – The more you smoke, the greater the chances that your dentures will begin to smell. The tobacco grabs hold of the materials and remains fixed, causing your mouth to maintain a foul odor over time.
- Increased Discomfort – Anytime you light up, you cause your gums to become inflamed. This can make wearing dentures an uncomfortable experience. It can even hinder your ability to perform daily functions that dentures are known to improve (i.e., eating and speaking).
How to Ensure the Lifespan of Your Dentures
In light of what was mentioned above, the simplest answer to ensuring the lifespan of your dentures is to quit smoking. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done for most patients; however, it’s not impossible.
Finding cessation resources to help you kick the habit for good is where you’ll need to start. Your dentist can help you identify programs and tips to minimize the desire to smoke so that your overall health and wellness do not continue to suffer.
But apart from saying no to tobacco, you’ll also want to adopt a good oral hygiene routine, keep your six-month dental checkups and cleanings, and be mindful of what you eat when attempting to take proper care of your dentures.
Doing all of this will allow you to enjoy life with a healthier smile and body and avoid the pitfalls that smoking can cause.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is an experienced dentist who works closely with patients to embrace life with healthier, stronger, and longer-lasting smiles. Offering reliable tooth replacement solutions like dentures, he can help individuals adopt healthy habits that will improve oral and overall health. If you are thinking about wearing dentures but are having trouble kicking the habit of smoking, contact our office at (360) 703-9092 to let us help you understand why it’s important to give it up so that you can enjoy life with your new, fully restored smile.