Can Dentists tell if you smoke occasionally?

How Can a Dentist Tell You Smoke?

If you’re a smoker, you probably know that smoking is bad for your teeth. You may be wondering whether your dentist can tell that you smoke and, if so, how. The short answer is yes- your dentist will be able to tell if you smoke. Here’s how.

Effects of Smoking on Your Teeth

Smoking has several significant detrimental effects on your dental health, some of which are easily visible to your dentist (and possibly you, too). These are some of them.

Stained Teeth

Arguably the most noticeable effect of smoking on your teeth is the yellow or even brown staining it causes on their surfaces. Because teeth have pores that can absorb nicotine and tar in tobacco products, smoking can cause deep stains. 

Unfortunately, getting tobacco stains off your teeth won’t be as easy as using drugstore whitening products, either. You’ll probably need professional whitening to remove all the staining. Your dentist can help with that. 

Tartar Buildup

Everyone can get tartar buildup on their teeth, but smokers are even more susceptible to it. This is because tobacco use affects the saliva in your mouth, leading to greater plaque and tartar buildup. If your dentist notices an unusual amount of tartar buildup along with some of the other effects of smoking, they’ll have a good idea that you’re a smoker. 

Receding/Inflamed Gums

Smoking doesn’t just affect your teeth. It can have a damaging effect on your gums, too. 

Receding or inflamed gums are two common signs of smoking tobacco since the chemicals in the cigarettes irritate your gums. These problems aren’t just aesthetic, either. Smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to suffer from gum disease.  

Issues with your gums are yet another sign your dentist may notice that indicates you’re a smoker. 

Key Takeaway

Your dentist will most likely know whether you are a smoker once they start examining your teeth. There’s no reason to lie to your dentist about your smoking habits or any other relevant information since they will only use those details to provide you with better, more tailored care. As your dentist will tell you, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your dental health. Making an appointment and being honest is the next best thing. Reach out to Crossroads Family Dentistry today to schedule your next appointment. 

Will my Dentist Know That I Smoke?

Smoking can wreak havoc on your oral health. Smoking impacts your teeth and gums in several ways. These impacts can be quickly identified by your dentist. So, yes, your dentist will know if you smoke. Among the telltale signs include yellow teeth, plaque, receding gums, and more. Keep reading to learn how smoking affects your oral ecosystem.

Yellow Teeth (Nicotine Stains)

Similar to your skin, your teeth have pores. These pores absorb the things you eat, drink, or in this case, smoke. Nicotine and tar in tobacco have qualities that allow it to stain materials very easily. Mixed with your saliva, smoking or tobacco use will cause yellow or brown stains to develop quickly. The stains caused by smoking seep deeper into the enamel, making them more difficult to remove. These stains are often too visceral to be removed through drugstore whitening products, and regular professional whitening is needed.

Plaque and Tartar Buildup 

The chemicals in tobacco products affect the way saliva flows through your mouth. One of saliva’s main functions is to protect tooth enamel and prevent decay. When the natural flow is disrupted, the beneficial proteins and minerals in the saliva are unable to do their job, leading to plaque buildup. In excess, this plaque becomes tartar, a calcified form of plaque. 

Other Impacts

Smoking can be harmful in other ways. For one, it can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, or lips. About 90% of people who were diagnosed with one of these forms of cancer used tobacco products. The chemicals in cigarettes will also give you bad breath. Smokers also tend to have gum lines that recede more than normal.

Bottom Line

Smoking, tobacco, and even vape use all have a plethora of negative effects on your health, but your dentist isn’t here to judge your lifestyle habits. Instead, they’ll be happy to offer solutions and helpful advice to assist you in quitting and restoring better oral health! Your dentist knowing you smoke is no reason to skip your cleaning or appointment! More than anything, they’re going to be thankful to see you and happy to help!