Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss

Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums and can affect the bone structure that supports your teeth. In severe cases, it can make your teeth fall out. Smoking is an important cause of severe gum disease in the United States.¹

Gum disease starts with bacteria (germs) on your teeth that get under your gums. If the germs stay on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque (film) and tartar (hardened plaque) develop. This buildup leads to early gum disease, called gingivitis.²

When gum disease gets worse, your gums can pull away from your teeth and form spaces that get infected. This is severe gum disease, also called periodontitis. The bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place can break down, and your teeth may loosen and need to be pulled out.³

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

Smoking weakens your body’s infection fighters (your immune system). This makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Once you have gum damage, smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal.^4,5,6

What does this mean for me if I am a smoker?

• You have twice the risk for gum disease compared with a nonsmoker.¹
• The more cigarettes you smoke, the greater your risk for gum disease.⁵
• The longer you smoke, the greater your risk for gum disease.⁵
• Treatments for gum disease may not work as well for people who smoke.³

Tobacco use in any form—cigarettes, pipes, and smokeless (spit) tobacco—raises your risk for gum disease.⁷

You can help avoid gum disease with good dental habits.³

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss often to remove plaque.
• See a dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

Regular cleanings at your dentist’s office and daily brushing and flossing can help treat early gum disease (gingivitis).²

More severe gum disease may require:³

• Deep cleaning below the gum line.
• Prescription mouth rinse or medicine.
• Surgery to remove tartar deep under the gums.
• Surgery to help heal bone or gums lost to periodontitis. Your dentist may use small bits of bone to fill places where bone has been lost. Or your dentist may move tissue from one place in your mouth to cover exposed tooth roots.

If you smoke or use spit tobacco, quitting will help your gums heal after treatment.³