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Tobacco & Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, affects the gums and surrounding tissues. It can lead to loss of bone density in the jaw if left untreated. Bacteria in the mouth and gums cause periodontal disease.
Tobacco use has been shown to increase the risk of gum disease in several ways. Whether tobacco is chewed or smoked, the risk increases with use.

  1. Periodontal Disease

    • Periodontal disease starts with gingivitis, which causes the gums swell and bleed.
      Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which is classified by early, moderate and advanced stages.
      Chronic bad breath and receding gums are common in the early stage. The disease progresses in the moderate and advanced stages to cause damage to the deeper connective tissue and jaw bone. Teeth can shift and become loose; eventually they may fall out. According to the American Dental Association, periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

    Smoking

    • Tobacco use irritates the gums and make them more susceptible to bacteria growth. Bacterial causes inflammation in and beneath the gum line, which is what causes the damage to the tissue. Once the gums and connective tissue is damaged, it pulls away from the teeth, allowing food and bacteria easier access to the deeper tissue.
      This also makes it harder to thoroughly clean the teeth, compounding the bacterial growth problem.
      According to the American Dental Association, smokers are four times more likely to develop gum disease than their non-smoking peers.

    Smokeless Tobacco

    • Smokeless tobaccos contain flavorings and other additives that are harmful to the gums. According to the Mayo Clinic, "The sugar and irritants in chewing tobacco and other forms of smokeless tobacco can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth in the area of your mouth where you place the chew. Over time you can develop gum disease. ..." Smokeless tobacco products also make the mouth more hospitable to bacteria.

    Considerations

    • Keeping the mouth clean is important to keep bacteria levels low. Because smoking and using smokeless tobacco both cause an increase in bacteria and make the gums pull away from the teeth, it is imperative that the teeth and gums be cleaned thoroughly and frequently.
      Even with extra care and cleaning of the teeth and gums, as long as you are using tobacco you are more likely to get gum disease. The best option, if you can do it, is to quit using tobacco while the gum disease is in its early stages. The earlier gum disease is detected and treated, the less likely you are to have lasting damage to your gums and teeth.

    Effects

    • Tobacco use increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease, which are both linked to an increased risk of periodontal disease.
      These systemic illnesses affect your body's ability to heal and repair gum tissue, adding to the inflammation and bacterial infection that accompany gum disease. Tobacco use not only causes periodontal problems directly, but also by leading to other conditions that increase the damage and inability to repair tissue.
      Dental health professionals can diagnose and treat gum diseases at any stage, but the earlier you get treatment the better your odds at preventing irreversible damage. Even if you continue to use tobacco you should still consult a health care professional for your gum health issues.

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