Most people know that smoking is harmful to natural teeth, but fewer realize that it can also cause problems once you’ve switched to dentures. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, tobacco use can still affect your oral health, your dentures, and even how well they fit.
If you’re planning to get dentures or already have them, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your comfort and long-term health.
Smoking Can Stain and Damage Dentures
Just like natural teeth, dentures are vulnerable to staining from tobacco products. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can cause discoloration, turning your dentures a dull yellow or brown over time. Unlike natural enamel, denture materials are slightly porous, so these stains can be difficult—sometimes even impossible—to remove completely.
Regular cleaning can help reduce buildup, but smoking can make it harder to maintain a bright, natural-looking smile. If you’ve invested in dentures to restore your confidence and appearance, quitting smoking will help keep them looking their best.
Smoking Increases the Risk of Gum and Tissue Irritation
Even without natural teeth, your gums and the soft tissues in your mouth still need to stay healthy to support your dentures. Unfortunately, tobacco smoke can irritate these tissues, leading to inflammation, soreness, and even painful ulcers.
Smoking also reduces blood flow to the gums, which slows healing and makes your mouth more prone to infections. This can make it difficult to wear your dentures comfortably and may even require adjustments or replacements sooner than expected.
Tobacco Use Affects Denture Fit and Comfort
Good denture fit depends on healthy oral tissues. Over time, smoking can cause the gums and underlying bone to shrink, changing the shape of your mouth. As this happens, your dentures may begin to feel loose, slip while eating or talking, or create sore spots.
Ill-fitting dentures can also make it harder to chew food properly, leading to digestive issues and poor nutrition. By quitting smoking, you can protect your gum health and preserve a better, more stable denture fit for longer.
Smoking Raises the Risk of Oral Cancer
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of oral cancer, even for people who wear dentures. Because dentures cover much of the soft tissue in your mouth, cancerous changes can go unnoticed until they’ve progressed. Regular dental checkups are essential for early detection, but quitting smoking remains the most effective way to lower your risk.
If you smoke and wear dentures, be sure to let your dentist know about any changes in your mouth, such as persistent sores, lumps, or color changes.
Your Mouth—and Your Dentures—Will Thank You
Quitting smoking is never easy, but the benefits extend far beyond your general health. When you give up tobacco, you’ll enjoy a cleaner mouth, healthier gums, and longer-lasting dentures that look and feel their best.
About the Practice
There’s never been a better time to quit smoking and the team at Fisher Dental are here to support you. Dr. Bal specializes in custom denture solutions for every patient. We’re firm believers in total body wellness to achieve a great smile. Come see us if you need a little help getting started on your oral health journey.
Call us at +1 613-727-0990 or request an appointment online.