The Hidden Dangers of Smoking: Here’s How It Affects Oral Health.
Smokers face a heightened risk of harmful bacteria in their mouths, contributing to a staggering eight million deaths annually from smoking-related complications, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, approximately 1.3 billion people continue to use some form of tobacco, with 80% residing in low- to middle-income countries. This highlights the critical need for effective prevention strategies.
There is no safe level of smoking; even secondhand smoke can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. The mouth (oral cavity) is the first point of entry to the rest of the body, housing a complex community of microorganisms known as the oral microbiome. These organisms coexist harmoniously, protecting the oral environment, aiding digestion, regulating the immune system, and promoting overall health.
Factors Affecting Oral Bacteria
Changes to the bacterial composition of the mouth can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Our research examined the oral health of 128 individuals from a 2014/2016 study on vascular and metabolic health, revealing clear differences in the bacterial profiles of smokers compared to non-smokers. Smokers exhibited higher levels of harmful bacteria such as Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, and Tannerella forsythia. These bacteria are linked to gum disease and may increase the risk of heart disease by triggering inflammation and other harmful effects in the body.
How Smoking Disrupts the Oral Biome
Tobacco and cigarettes contain numerous toxic substances, including nicotine, tar, radioactive chemicals, lead, and ammonia—many produced through the burning process. As a cigarette is smoked, these chemicals infiltrate the oral cavity, altering the surrounding environment by reducing oxygen levels, changing the pH (acidity), and inhibiting saliva production.
Saliva is crucial for keeping the mouth moist, aiding digestion, and possessing antibacterial properties that help destroy harmful germs. A dry mouth, coupled with low oxygen levels, allows harmful bacteria to multiply, disrupting the balance of healthy bacteria on the teeth, tongue, and palate.
The Role of Nicotine
Nicotine, a common component in cigarettes, can increase the number of proteins on the surface of certain harmful bacteria, such as P. gingivalis. These proteins or receptors give the bacteria an advantage over normal microorganisms, enabling them to firmly attach to surfaces, multiply into colonies, and form biofilms. Dental biofilms—complex communities of microorganisms—can form on teeth and other hard surfaces. If left unchecked, these biofilms can lead to plaque formation, periodontitis, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Smoking and Serious Diseases
The abnormal colonies of bacteria in the mouths of smokers can influence the immune system, leading to slow healing, inflammation, and even antibiotic resistance. Chronic inflammation from gum disease can result in tooth loss and the destruction of gum tissue, linking it to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Another bacterium, Streptococcus mutans, can become abundant in heavy smokers. While typically harmless, it can multiply and contribute to dental biofilms when the oral environment is disrupted, leading to tooth decay and oral cancer.
Vaping and E-Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, utilize a battery and heating element to vaporize a liquid that produces an aerosol inhaled by the user. This liquid often contains flavorings and harmful chemicals like nicotine and lead. Early research suggests that e-cigarettes may not be a safe alternative to traditional smoking. Though their effects on the oral microbiota are still under investigation, increased growth of bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Bacteroidales has been observed in vapers, both of which can cause periodontitis.
Can These Changes Be Reversed?
It is evident that the harmful chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products can lead to serious diseases, often starting in the oral cavity. The good news is that quitting smoking can restore the healthy diversity of the oral biome, significantly reducing the risk of gum disease, promoting saliva production, and improving overall health.
Conclusion
Preventive measures and awareness campaigns, particularly targeting our youth, are essential in combating this preventable health crisis. Governments and organizations like the WHO must continue to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking to protect future generations.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
