• 7/3/2004
  • Tasmania, Australia
  • By HEATHER LOW CHOY
  • The Mercury

Dental hygienist Georgina Wright deals with the terrible consequences of smoking every day. Miss Wright, a Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia (Tasmanian Branch) national councillor, says many smokers do not realise what a disastrous impact it has on their oral health.

“Heavy smokers are actually six times more likely to develop oral cancer,” Miss Wright said. “Extensive studies have proved clear links between smoking and periodontal disease, which leads to tooth loss. “In comparison to non-smokers, smokers are four times more likely to have periodontal disease, twice as likely to lose some teeth and four times more likely to lose all teeth.” Smokers often remained unaware of their poor dental health because the effects of nicotine masked the most obvious symptoms, Miss Wright said. “Nicotine ingestion restricts the blood supply to the gums, which decreases signs of inflammation,” she said. Miss Wright said smokers were also more prone to leukoplakia, a white patch inside the mouth that could not be wiped off. “This lesion can develop into cancer,” she said. Smokers were far more likely than non-smokers to have a “hairy” tongue, altered taste sensation, dry mouth, stained teeth and bad breath, Miss Wright said. She said giving up smoking could improve oral health almost immediately. “Two days after quitting, former smokers will have an improved taste sensation,” Miss Wright said. Long-term benefits of quitting included reduced risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss and decreased risk of oral cancer, Miss Wright said. She urged smokers to have their oral health assessed. Dental hygienists were trained to perform oral cancer checks to detect any alteration of normal tissues. They could assist, too, she said, with removal of tobacco stains caused by smoking. “We’re also trained in counselling individuals to quit smoking and we often refer clients to the QUIT line,” Miss Wright said. “Unfortunately, following quitting smoking, individuals may increase their intake of sugar consumption. “We educate our clients on plaque control and sugar-free alternatives, such as sugar-free gum or sugar-free lollies to reduce their risk of dental decay.”