If you’ve lost most or all your teeth and are looking to rebuild your smile, you could potentially benefit from dentures. These prosthetics are the tried-and-true method for replacing them because they return so much of your ability to eat and speak as you did before tooth loss.
However, it’s important to care for your restoration if you hope to enjoy the many benefits it provides. Many patients who regularly smoke are unpleasantly surprised to learn that they’ll likely have to give up their habit to keep their artificial teeth in good shape. If you’re frustrated by this change, continue reading to learn 3 reasons why it’s necessary!
Reason #1: Increased Bone Loss
Did you know that when you lose teeth, your body reabsorbs bone mass from your jaw that’s no longer needed to support them? This natural process can weaken your jawbone to the point that it can no longer sustain your remaining pearly whites. Smoking accelerates this process, flattening your jawbone and preventing your dentures from forming a tight enough suction against your gums to remain in place.
Smoking only speeds up this process, so it might not be long before your prosthetics no longer fit. You’ll have to pay to have them frequently relined or replaced if you don’t quit using tobacco products.
Reason #2: Discoloration
One of the first things others notice about you is the condition of your grin. It’s normal to feel self-conscious when you lose teeth because of worry over how others might perceive you. With dentures in place, you can once again enjoy the confidence that comes with an enhanced appearance.
If you smoke cigarettes, however, your beautiful new restoration could start to change colors. Instead of looking polished and clean, it could take on a yellow or brownish hue. This is because tobacco products contain tar and other chemicals that can stick to your artificial teeth and stain them just like your natural ones. Leaving this toxic habit in the past is a great way to keep your dentures looking fresh.
Reason #3: Bad Breath
The ingredients in cigarettes can harm more than your appearance; they also cause bad breath! Most dentures are made with acrylic and ceramic, which are porous materials known to absorb odors over time. They must be thoroughly cleaned twice daily to prevent residue buildup that can cause a foul scent.
When you smoke, the stale tobacco smell can easily seep into the surfaces of your dentures in a way that’s nearly impossible to remove, even if you soak them overnight. That means the best way to prevent bad breath is to stop smoking.
Now that you know how your unhealthy habit can harm your restoration, you have more motivation to leave it behind!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Whiting, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists who offer a full array of services under one roof. They use the most advanced dental technology to create long-lasting, life-changing solutions for your unique dental needs. Plus, their friendly staff provides a comfortable environment so that you can feel calm and relaxed for every appointment. Whether you’ve lost one or several teeth, they can rebuild your smile with beautiful, lifelike prosthetics. You’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (219) 659-4900.