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Smoking increases the build up of bacterial plaque which causes gum disease to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers. If the plaque builds up below the gum line, the bacteria can infect the gums and release toxins that cause redness and swelling (inflammation).

The gums of smokers are susceptible to infection because smoking and tobacco use causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream so reducing the flow of blood and nutrients to the gum tissues. This weakens the body’s defence mechanisms, making the gums more susceptible to infection.

Smoking can also slow down the body’s healing processes, so the infected gums take longer or fail to heal.

Detection of gum diseases is often more difficult in smokers. This is because the nicotine and other chemicals found in tobacco can cause a reduction in blood flow which can conceal some of the symptoms commonly associated with gum disease, such as bleeding gums.

Treatment of gum diseases in smokers can be a difficult task, but not an impossible one, so it is important to take action as early as possible. Stopping smoking seems to gradually erase the harmful effects of tobacco use on gum health. If you are concerned in any way about your oral health, make an appointment to see you dentist or hygienist.