The Impact of Smoking on Dental Emergencies

We all know smoking is bad for our lungs and heart, but its impact on oral health is just as devastating. As emergency dentists, we see the effects of smoking daily. Smokers are significantly more likely to suffer from dental emergencies, lose teeth, and experience complications after treatment.

1. Masked Gum Disease

Smoking constricts blood vessels in the gums. This means smokers often don't get the warning sign of "bleeding gums" even when they have severe gum disease. The disease progresses silently, destroying bone until teeth suddenly become loose and fall out. This is a common emergency presentation.

2. Dry Socket Risk

If you need an extraction, smoking is your worst enemy. The suction from inhaling on a cigarette, combined with the toxins in the smoke, dramatically increases the risk of Dry Socket, a painful condition where the blood clot fails to form. We strictly advise stopping smoking for at least 72 hours after any surgery.

3. Implant Failure

Dental implants require healthy bone and good blood supply to integrate. Smokers have a much higher failure rate for implants because nicotine reduces blood flow to the bone.

4. Oral Cancer

Tobacco use is the leading cause of oral cancer. We perform an oral cancer screen at every examination. Early detection saves lives. Look out for non-healing ulcers, white/red patches, or lumps in the mouth.

Our Advice

We know quitting is hard. We are not here to lecture, but to support. If you are a smoker, it is vital you visit the dentist more frequently (every 3-6 months) to catch problems early before they become emergencies. If you have an extraction, we can provide nicotine replacement advice to help you get through the healing period safely.