Smoking does not just harm your lungs. It also damages your teeth, gums and the soft tissues in your mouth.

Here’s how smoking affects the mouth.

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Stained teeth

Tobacco contains tar and nicotine. These stick to the surface of your teeth.

This can cause:

• Yellow staining at first.
• Dark brown staining over time.
• A dull, dirty look that brushing alone cannot remove.

A dentist or hygienist can remove some of this staining with a professional clean, but the stains often return if you keep smoking.

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Bad breath

Smoking is a common cause of bad breath.

Tobacco smoke leaves chemicals in the mouth and reduces saliva, which normally helps keep the mouth clean.

Smoking can also increase the risk of gum disease, which can make bad breath worse.

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Gum disease

Smoking is a major cause of gum disease. It can:

• Make more plaque build up on your teeth.
• Reduce the blood supply to your gums.
• Slow down healing.

This means gum disease can develop more quickly and become more severe in people who smoke.

Gum disease can lead to:

• Swollen or sore gums.
• Gums that bleed.
• Bad breath.
• Loose teeth.
• Tooth loss.

Smokers may not notice bleeding gums as easily because smoking can mask the warning signs.

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Black hairy tongue

Smoking can sometimes lead to a condition called black hairy tongue.

This happens when the tiny bumps on the tongue become longer and trap bacteria, food and tobacco.

The tongue may look dark brown or black and feel furry.

Although it may look worrying, it is usually harmless and often improves with good oral hygiene and stopping smoking.

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Mouth cancer

Smoking is one of the main causes of mouth cancer.

Mouth cancer can affect the:

• Lips.
• Tongue.
• Cheeks.
• Floor and roof of the mouth.
• Throat and tonsils.

See a dentist or doctor urgently if you notice:

• An ulcer that does not heal within three weeks.
• A red or white patch in the mouth.
• A lump or swelling in the mouth or neck.
• Ongoing pain or difficulty swallowing.

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How stopping smoking helps your mouth

When you stop smoking:

• Your risk of gum disease reduces.
• Your gums heal better.
• Your risk of mouth cancer falls over time.
• Staining and bad breath improve.

Your dentist or doctor can help you find stop-smoking support.

Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral and general health.