We all know that smoking cigarettes and tobacco can be harmful to our overall health in many ways. Smoking can cause problems for the throat and lungs, but also for the mouth, teeth, and oral health.
What Happens if I Smoke During Orthodontic Treatment?
Smoking constricts the blood vessels in the ligaments, bone, and gum tissue. It also contributes to gum disease and periodontitis. Below are a few things that can happen to your oral health if you smoke:
- Yellow, stained teeth
- Bad breath
- Risk of oral cancer
- Delayed healing time
- Gum disease
- Buildup of plaque or tartar
- Staining of the teeth around the brackets
Smoking can make the mouth more prone to plaque, reducing the mouth’s ability to fight off tooth decay and tartar buildup. Here at Garlock Orthodontics, we recommend giving up smoking so that you can enjoy your new straight and healthy smile.
Chewing tobacco is just as bad for orthodontic treatment, possibly even worse. This is because it can get caught in the brackets and stain Invisalign or ceramic braces as well as the teeth.
Quitting Smoking
The damage caused by smoking is very easily reversed once you quit smoking. Your oral health and overall lung function will improve drastically. Here at Garlock Orthodontics, we recommend quitting smoking before orthodontic treatment.
For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment or to talk about affordable braces in Aurora, Colorado, please contact Garlock Orthodontics today.