Can a dentist tell if you have been smoking cigarretes?

Yes, dentists can often tell if a patient has been smoking cigarettes. There are a number of signs that can indicate smoking, including:

- Discolouration of the teeth: Cigarette smoke contains tar and nicotine, which can stain the teeth and cause them to appear yellow or brown.

- Bad breath: Smoking can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. This is because the chemicals in cigarette smoke can linger in the mouth and throat.

- Gum disease: Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease, which is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. This is because the chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the gum tissue and make it more susceptible to infection.

- Oral cancer: Smoking is a major risk factor for oral cancer, which is a cancer of the mouth or throat. This is because the chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the cells in the mouth and throat and make them more likely to become cancerous.