Smokers who smoked less than a half a pack per day were almost three times more likely than nonsmokers to have periodontitis. Those who smoked more than a pack and a half per day had almost six times the risk of getting periodontal disease.
Research also shows that users of tobacco products are more likely to have any or all of the following:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Bone loss
- Gum recession
- Less success with periodontal treatment
- Less success with dental implants. Smoking is by far the most significant factor predisposing to implant failure. Heavy smokers have 3 to 4 times the risk of implant failure as non-smokers
- Loss of taste and smell
- Mouth sores
- Oral cancer
- Stained teeth
- Tooth loss
