Question

I wonder if someone can help me, thank you

A new patient with severe chronic periodontitis has a history of smoking one to two packs of cigarettes each day. The patient informs you that he will do “anything” to save his teeth, but that he cannot quit smoking. What counsel would you provide this patient about the effect of the smoking habit on the likelihood of long-term control of his periodontitis?

Answer 1

Answer: Periodontitis is a kind of severe gum infection which is if not treated will lead to destroy the gums and inner bones of the teeth. There are many factors which influences the severity of the disease and smoking is one of them. If a patient is a long term smoker, the effects of the smoking will lead to increase the seriousness of the periodontitis and damage the gums.

The smoking causes low or limited blood circulation to the gums which lead to increase in the inflammation and bacterial growth. The inner bone of the teeth and gums gets damaged due to insufficient supply of the blood. The plaque near the teeth starts to grow more quickly because our teeth brush is unable to remove the germs between the teeth.

The insufficient supply of blood causes bad smell and breathe, stained teeth due to smoking, slow healing process, progression in the diseased condition etc. Smoking causes oral cancer as mouth, throat as well as gum cancer can easily occurs due to smoking.

Benefits of quitting smoking:

• Good breath and smell
• Quick progression in healing of disease
• Reduces the risk of gum cancer
• Enhanced the blood circulation in mouth which reduces inflammation.
• Minimises the risk of other diseases
• There will be no more stain teeth
• Sense of taste and smell will be improved.
• Prevent the inner tissues of the teeth.