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It has long been suspected that smoking and gum disease are interrelated. Thanks to recent studies, that link has finally been proven. We have all long known that smoking is dangerous to your health. It can cause heart disease, including heart attacks. It can lead to strokes and aneurysm. Naturally it can lead to lung and throat cancer, not to mention many others. Your breath smells, your teeth get stained, and respiratory problems and infections are practically a given. As it turns out, smoking can negatively affect your oral health as well.

Smoking is one of the main risk factors associated with gum disease. This because smoking opens wide the doors for bacteria to flock into your mouth. Bacteria is what ultimately causes gum tissue diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. However, that is not the only reason smoking can lead to gum disease.

Both the smoke which comes from the tobacco and the nicotine in cigarettes can make your blood vessels constrict. That makes it harder and difficult for nutrients and oxygen to get to parts of your body – including your gums and gum tissue.

Smoking is not the only thing which causes this to happen. Chewing tobacco can as well. Further, they can both make it more difficult for your body to adequately fight off infections. Meaning, it cannot repel the infection which causes gingivitis. If you are a smoker, it may even be more difficult for your body to respond to the proper treatment methods for gm disease.

How could you, as a smoker, decrease your risk for gum disease? Well, naturally, you have got to stop smoking. Think of all the aspects of your health smoking will negatively affect? You also need to do your part by rigorously taking care of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are absolutely mandatory.