Cigarette Smoking and your Gums

Respiratory problems, heart disease, weak immunity and lung cancer -- these are just few of the many health issues associated with the smoking habit. The reason behind the warning indicated in every cigarette pack that goes, "Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health." But despite of this precaution, many are still hooked with the smoking habit and they are indeed having a hard time to quit.

Prolonged smoking affects both the major and minor body segments. And this would include your gums. It is noticeable in every smoker to obtain unhealthy gums, which is frequently correlated with oral health problems and other gum diseases developed from the addictive smoking habit.

How smoking affects the gums?

Limited supply of oxygen to the gums-- this is the main reason why gum diseases are likely to occur to those who smokes. Cigarette smoking halts not only the blood circulation but also the oxygen flow in the body, including the gums. The distribution of essential nutrients to this area can also happen due to the constriction of the blood vessels, which serve as the medium for the transport. This then would result to the formation of gum diseases. In line with the fact that smoking weakens the immune system of the body, gum diseases can hardly be prevented as the body’s natural ability to defend gums from the typical disease-causing bacteria also depreciates. In worse cases, smoking can even lead to severe gum infections. Yet, all these can still be prevented with quitting smoking early.