Smoking and Gum Disease – What’s the Connection?

Most people know that smoking is harmful to overall health, but fewer realise how strongly it affects oral health. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease (periodontal disease), making it harder to treat and more likely to cause tooth loss. At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we provide gentle gum care and personalised advice to help protect your smile.

How Smoking Affects Gum Health

  • Reduces blood flow – smoking decreases circulation in the gums, slowing healing and masking early signs of disease like bleeding.

  • Weakens immunity – the body is less able to fight bacterial infections in the mouth.

  • Increases tartar buildup – smokers often have more plaque and calculus, leading to faster gum disease progression.

  • Delays treatment success – periodontal treatments like deep cleaning or surgery are less effective in smokers.

Risks of Smoking with Gum Disease

  • Persistent bad breath

  • Gum recession and bone loss

  • Loose or shifting teeth

  • Higher chance of tooth loss

  • Greater risk of oral cancer

Can Gum Disease Be Treated if You Smoke?

Yes — but treatment is more challenging. Quitting smoking, even temporarily, can improve healing and treatment results significantly. Our team at Pain Free Dentist Sydney offers supportive, pain-free treatments such as deep cleaning and maintenance programs to manage gum disease effectively.

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📧 Email: info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au
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