Smoking and Dental Health

Smoking can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as nonsmokers.

Smoking can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as nonsmokers, according to two 30-year studies at Tufts University that investigated the relationship between smoking and tooth loss.

Smoking increases the risk of oral pain, tooth decay, receding gums, gum disease and tooth loss. In fact, it is estimated that 50% of adults who smoke suffer from gum disease.

The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking.