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What Does Smoking Do to Your Mouth?

Whether it is through cigarettes, pipes or cigars, smoking has a harmful effect on the body. Since smokers are putting these tobacco products in their mouth, it only is natural that smoking presents an adverse effect on oral health, such as an increased risk for cancer.

  1. Periodontal Disease

    • According to the American Academy of Periodontology, the use of tobacco plays a "significant" factor in the risk for periodontal disease. Smoking can cause the buildup of calculus, hardened plaque that requires professional cleaning to remove. If this buildup is not removed, the bacteria in the plaque can damage gum tissue, leading to bone loss. Left untreated, teeth can become so loose they eventually fall out.

    Cancer

    • According to floss.com, 30,000 cases of oral cancer are reported each year in the United States and nearly 80 percent of oral cancers are due to smoking. Oral cancer often starts in the form of leukoplakia, white patches found on gums and the inside of cheeks. People who smoke are more likely to develop these sores than those who do not smoke. If a person ceases smoking, these lesions often disappear. Other symptoms of oral cancer include trouble swallowing, a sore throat and pain in the jaw.

    Candida

    • Smoking also increases the risk for developing oral candidiasis, an overgrowth of fungi in the mouth. Oral candidiasis is often white or yellow resembling milk curds. If undiagnosed or untreated, the condition can cause dehydration and lead to infections, which may spread to other parts of the body.

    Hairy Tongue

    • Smoking can also lead to a hairy tongue. A hairy tongue is the result of the mouth being overrun with bacteria and yeast. These organisms gather in tiny areas of the tongue causing the tongue to take on a furry, dark appearance. The condition, which often occurs in males, may be grotesque, but is not life threatening. Often brushing will alleviate the condition. However, the tongue discoloration will return if smoking continues.

    Other Effects

    • Through smoking, tobacco users are staining their teeth. The teeth of smokers become yellow due to the tar found in tobacco products. Brushing is the only way to clear up the discoloration, which may not always be possible. In addition, smoking causes bad breath and diminishes a person's sense of smell and taste.

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