There are already plenty of reasons to give up smoking, as the impact that it can have on your overall health is well-known. But if you wear dentures, then giving up cigarettes is even more important. It may not be obvious, but smoking can cause serious problems for denture wearers; below are just 4 examples that highlight why you need to break the habit as soon as possible.
1. Smoking Can Make Your Dentures Very Uncomfortable
Dentures are designed with the patient’s unique mouth in mind in order to ensure that they fit properly. However, if you smoke, the tobacco in the cigarettes could cause your gums to become inflamed or swollen. As a result, you may start having trouble wearing your dentures, and they’re likely to feel quite uncomfortable on top of your gums. Furthermore, your now-ill-fitting dentures may make it more difficult to eat and speak.
2. Smoking Can Accelerate Bone Loss
Bone loss in the jaw is a natural consequence of losing all your teeth. As the jawbone changes shape, you may find that your dentures no longer fit properly, meaning you will need to have them relined or replaced.
While anyone with missing teeth can suffer from bone loss, smoking tends to significantly speed up the process. As a result, smokers may end up needing new dentures much earlier than normal.
3. Smoking Can Leave Stains on Your Dentures
Smoking is known to leave stains on natural teeth, and sadly, it can do the same to your dentures. It should be noted that some dentures have prosthetic teeth made out of porcelain, which is a stain-resistant material. However, even porcelain can eventually become discolored, and smoking will only make it more likely to happen sooner. If you want to keep your dentures looking their best for as long as possible, it’s best to give up cigarettes as soon as you can.
4. Smoking Can Cause Your Dentures to Smell
Many dentures have a base made out of acrylic, which tends to be porous. As such, the smell of cigarettes may end up entering the tiny holes in your dentures, causing them to have a less-than-pleasant odor. Even if you’re diligent about cleaning your dentures every day, they could still end up contributing to bad breath.
The issues listed above are more than enough reasons for denture-wearers to stop smoking. Of course, breaking the habit can be quite challenging, so it’s a good idea to talk to your primary doctor to see what they suggest. The sooner you can give up cigarettes, the easier it will be to protect your entire smile – dentures and all.
About the Author
Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University. Thanks to his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, he has been trained to provide quality dental services for patients of all ages. This includes seniors who rely on dentures for eating, speaking, and smiling. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bakhtyari at Premier Dental Care in Herndon, visit his website or call (703) 860-8860.