Numerous studies have long established the damaging effects of tobacco and cigarette smoking in a person's overall health. When it comes to dental health, smoking is one of the major causes of serious oral problems such as mouth cancer as well as smokers gum disease.

Smokers gum disease is the infection of the gums, which is aggravated by smoking. The condition of smokers gum disease is often worse than in those who do not smoke. While gingivitis will affect almost everyone at some point in life, smokers are over five times at risk of acquiring a periodontal disease than non-smokers.

Smoking causes a very high tendency of tartar formation, gum tissue destruction and bone loss. Even a person not suffering from gum disease can have receding gums and lose the teeth's supporting bones because of smoking.

The toxins and chemical in tobacco weakens a person's immune system and blocks the production of antibodies, which is our body's natural defense against bacteria and other disease-causing agents. When the immune system is not functioning well, it is easy for infection to grow. Smokers gum disease, an infection caused by bacteria in plaque, is a likely example.

Smoking may sometimes conceal a few of symptoms of gingivitis. Check the condition of your gums carefully. Is the color of gums red instead of pink? Are your gums inflamed or tender? Does it bleed easily during or even after tooth brushing? Have your gums pulled away from the teeth forming pockets? Are your gums receding making your teeth appear longer? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are showing symptoms of gum disease.

Other symptoms and warning signs of this condition are loosening of teeth, changes in your bite, a stubborn case of bad breath or bad taste in the mouth as well as secretion of pus around gums.

The best way to prevent or reverse smokers gum disease is to quit smoking. While gum health depends greatly on a person's dental hygiene and routine dental checkups, prevention and effective treatment of any periodontal disease should include a smoke-free lifestyle.

Quitting smoking is important to allow the body to respond completely any dental treatment and restore the health of your gums. Smoking is an addiction and quitting is a challenge but one that is well worth the benefits.