We already knew that tobacco (like tea or coffee) has the effect of yellow tooth enamel. But what we did not know, until British researchers looked at the teeth of 23,000 smokers and non-smokers, is that tobacco also has consequences on oral health. On average, heavy smokers (who smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day) are two to three times more likely to lose their teeth compared to non-smokers, their study in the Journal of Dental Research estimates.
The lead author of this study, Professor Thomas Dietrich of the University of Birmingham explains: “When teeth are lost it is often due to cavities or chronic periodontitis (gum disease). However, we know that periodontitis is a major risk in smokers because cigarettes physically and chemically attack the gums. It is therefore logical that, the more they smoke, the more the number of lost teeth is high ”.
28 teeth in non-smokers, 25 in smokers
The conclusions of his study show that before the age of 50, a man who has never smoked keeps an average of 28 teeth (an adult normally has 32), against 25 for a heavy smoker. Beyond 60 years, the difference is even more marked, with 22 teeth for non-smokers against only 7 for heavy smokers.
“The good news is that quitting smoking reduces your risk quite quickly,” adds the doctor. The latter also recalls that tobacco is also responsible for many cases of throat cancer. and language. If you smoke, pay attention to any painful spots in the mouth or throat that will not heal in two weeks. Likewise, if you have difficulty swallowing, see your doctor.
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