Tobacco and Oral-Dental Health

At Clinicas Udemax, when we talk to our patients about the effects of tobacco in the mouth they always think of bad breath “Halitosis” and stains on the teeth, the worst effect goes almost always unnoticed. Tobacco is linked to periodontal disease or “Pyorrhoea” and oral cancer.

At Clinicas Udemax we explain that periodontal disease causes the loss of teeth, bone and gums, as well as an increase of pathogenic “bad” bacteria inside the mouth. This disease is influenced by both the unknown and toxic products of tobacco and the effect of the heat produced by smoking inside the mouth.

Another problem of smoking is the delayed diagnosis of periodontal disease. The first symptom, bleeding gums, is delayed in patients who smoke because the increased temperature of the mouth decreases the blood supply and with it the inflammation of the gums. Often patients come to Clinicas Udemax who have not been diagnosed with periodontal disease.

The treatment of periodontal disease is also more complex in patients who smoke. The gum, which is not sufficiently oxygenated, responds worse than that of a non-smoker.

Another major problem is the predisposition of smokers to oral cancer. Tobacco is very irritating and contains numerous carcinogenic substances. If it is associated with alcohol, the risk is multiplied alarmingly.

The appearance of stains on the mucous membranes, changes in colour and cells are signs that must be diagnosed quickly. It is important to be seen for a screening (rapid diagnosis).

At Clinicas Udemax, we try to make our patients aware and stop smoking. Come and visit us and we will show you the advantages of quitting smoking.