Yes, smoking is one of the leading causes of periodontal disease. The chemicals in tobacco interfere with the normal function of gum tissue cells, making smokers more vulnerable to infections, including those that destroy the supporting structures of the teeth.
Research shows that smokers are up to 6 times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers, and their response to treatment is often poorer.
How Does Smoking Affect The Gums?
When you smoke, the blood vessels in your gums constrict, reducing oxygen and nutrient flow to the tissues that support your teeth. This means your body has a harder time fighting off the bacteria that cause gum infections.
Over time, this leads to inflammation, loss of bone and eventually, tooth loss. Since smoking masks the signs of gum disease, such as bleeding and redness, it often goes unnoticed until the damage is severe.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed In Smokers?
Early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, can often be reversed with professional care and improved oral hygiene. However, for smokers, this recovery process is slower and less predictable.
Once periodontal disease has advanced, the damage to the bone and tissue supporting the teeth cannot be fully reversed. Stopping smoking, however, greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and helps stabilise the condition.
Whilst gingivitis can often be reversed with professional care, the recovery process for smokers is slower and less predictable.
Does Quitting Smoking Help The Gums Recover?
Yes, quitting smoking has a significant positive impact on gum health. Former smokers respond far better to periodontal treatment than those who continue to smoke.
Within weeks of stopping, blood circulation improves, oxygen returns to the tissues and the immune system becomes more effective at healing. Over time, this reduces the risk of tooth loss and helps prevent further progression of gum disease.
What Is The Role Of The Immune System In Gum Health?
The immune system plays a crucial part in protecting the gums from harmful bacteria that cause infection. When someone smokes, their immune response becomes weakened, making it far more difficult to fight off the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. Smoking also alters the way the body responds to inflammation, meaning that once gum tissue is damaged, it cannot repair itself as efficiently.
Studies have found that smokers often have lower levels of antibodies in their saliva, which are necessary to neutralise harmful microbes. As a result, bacteria can multiply unchecked beneath the gum line, leading to deeper pockets, bone loss and long term periodontal damage. The longer a person smokes, the more pronounced these effects become, which is why even light or occasional smoking can be harmful to oral health.
What Is The Wider Health Impact of Smoking On The Mouth?
Beyond gum disease, smoking contributes to a range of other oral health problems. It increases the risk of oral cancer, slows the healing process after dental surgery and can affect the success of dental implants.
Smokers are also more prone to bad breath, staining of the teeth and a build-up of plaque and tartar. This combination creates an environment where bacteria thrive, and even daily brushing and flossing may not be enough to offset the damage.
Dentists often find that smokers require more frequent and intensive cleaning to maintain a healthy mouth. Additionally, the aesthetic impact, such as discolouration and gum recession, can have a knock-on effect on confidence.
Addressing smoking is therefore not just about protecting the gums, but about preserving the health and appearance of the entire mouth.
Smoking can affect the success of dental implants.
What Can Smokers Do to Protect Their Oral Health?
If you smoke, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque build-up.
Dentists may also recommend specialised periodontal assessments to monitor gum health more closely. The single most effective step, however, is to stop smoking altogether, as this would be best for your mouth and your overall health!
The Bottom Line
Smoking is a major contributor to periodontal disease and makes the condition harder to treat. Quitting smoking not only protects your gums but also improves your overall oral health. With professional care and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage gum disease and prevent its devastating effects on your teeth and smile.
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
