If you are or where a smoker, we don’t have to harp on about the dangers and downsides of smoking. Chances are very high that you have already heard all of that on repeat. We don’t want to be a broken record. However, we find that there is not as much information out there about what happens after you stop smoking. From a dentist’s standpoint, we thought this was a great topic to give you or a loved one a little push for what to look forward to after you quit.
Your Heightened Sense of Taste Comes Back
Ever notice that smokers tend to season their food just a little more than non-smokers? It’s because smoking damages your nerve endings that handle taste and smell. In as little as 2 days after quitting cigarettes, a person should notice much more vivid smells and tastes.
Your Pain Sensors Come Back
You might look at this as a downside, but your teeth might hurt after you stop smoking. During the act of smoking, your gums will develop a protective coating on older tissue. The protective layer will hide painful side effects of any kind of oral complication.
That is why when smokers stop, they might experience some oral sensitivity or pain. But the pain is how we know that something is wrong, so it is a good thing! It’s like being able to hear an alarm going off that was once silenced!
Your Breath Will No Longer Smell Like Cigarettes
One that smokers will probably not notice is the cigarette smell. This is due to the first topic we covered, but non-smokers definitely notice! Once you stop smoking, you can smell cigarette smoke like you never had before and it can be pretty deterring.
Your Teeth Will Stop Being Stained and Can Be Whitened
Bad news, the smoke will have stained your teeth if you smoked. Good news, whitening your teeth is possible! There are options both at home and at the dentist for getting your pearly whites back. They will not be stained forever!
Your Risk for Oral Cancer is Significantly Decreased
Smokers have ten times the risk of getting oral cancer than non-smokers. When you stop smoking, in 5-10 years, your chances of getting oral or throat cancer decreases by half. Oral cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer because it is hardly ever detected until the late stage.
Your Mouth Tissue Will Return in Color
When you smoke, you will often get smoker’s melanosis. This is when the tissue in your mouth darkens. The melanosis itself if benign, so there is no reason to worry, but your gums could still be taking a toll. There is no treatment for this, but within 36 months, your mouth tissue should return to its normal color.
Your Gums Will Have a Fighting Chance
When you stop smoking, you may notice your gums bleeding during brushing. This may be because your circulation is coming back to normal. Smokers are twice as likely to have gum disease, but may have never known it. If you suffer from gum disease, your gums will need all the help they can get from your immune system, which will be in better shape after quitting cigarettes.
Bottom Line for Oral Health After You Stop Smoking
Beyond all the other health benefits, we just wanted to pinpoint some crucial oral benefits too. When you stop smoking, you’ll need all the cheerleading there is to fight the urges. We understand it is truly one of the hardest addictions that one will ever have. If you’ve stopped smoking, we commend you. Keep fighting the good fight for your oral health as well as your overall health!
After you quit cigarettes, you’ll need to pay your dentist a visit! We’re here for you! At Miami Valley Smiles, we don’t judge. We give you the knowledge and procedures you’ll need for your specific situation. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
