Why You Should Quit Smoking When You Get Dentures

Medical and dental experts strongly discourage smoking due to its addictive nature. If you’re considering dentures, it’s essential to quit smoking as soon as possible. Smoking not only jeopardizes the health of your new teeth but also increases the risk of serious oral and systemic health issues. Read on to understand the potential consequences of smoking with dentures and discover effective methods to quit this harmful habit.

Risks of Smoking for Denture Wearers

Inhaling smoke triggers a natural protective response in your gums, causing them to toughen to shield sensitive tissues. However, smoking or using smokeless tobacco can lead to gradual gum shrinkage and recession. These changes in gum tissue can affect the fit of your dentures over time.

Ill-fitting dentures can lead to problems like sores, inflammation, and infections. Extensive research has established a connection between poorly fitting dentures and various health issues, particularly an increased risk of oral cancer.

Combining ill-fitting dentures with smoking can significantly increase the risk of oral cancer, given that tobacco consumption is linked to 90% of oral cancer cases. Smoking also narrows blood vessels, impairing gum healing and raising the chances of infections. Moreover, it damages dentures, reducing their longevity and affecting their appearance, leading to stains and persistent bad breath.

6 Tips to Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking allows gums to regenerate, providing better support for dentures and preventing gum and bone loss. This step reduces the risks of cancer and various health issues, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Overcoming nicotine addiction can be challenging, but these helpful tips can guide you towards success:

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy: You can find over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges, or consult your doctor for prescribed medications designed to assist individuals in quitting smoking.

• Avoid Triggers: Identify triggers that induce your smoking cravings and either remove them from your environment or develop strategies to avoid them, reducing the risk of a relapse.
• Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can redirect your attention away from cravings and help keep you occupied.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: When you quit smoking, it’s common for stress levels to increase. To manage this, consider adopting new relaxation techniques, like practicing yoga, deep breathing, listening to music, and more.
• Get Support: Enroll in a smoking cessation program and seek support from online communities to help you quit smoking.
• Delay Technique: When the urge to smoke hits, try distracting yourself by engaging in an activity to delay the craving.

Multiple attempts before successfully quitting tobacco are common. Persistence and motivation are essential for achieving a healthier mouth and body!

About the Practice

Experience exceptional dental care under the guidance of Dr. Alex Naini, the skilled dentist leading the Vienna team at Aesthetic Dental Spa. Dr. Naini’s commitment to ongoing education ensures access to the latest advancements in dentistry. They also offer valuable insights into the benefits of dentures for those with missing teeth and emphasize the importance of quitting smoking for a successful smile transformation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Naini or to learn more about dentures, visit their website or contact their office at (703) 827-8270.