Smoking, vaping and your dentures | Van Hoften Tandprothetiek

Smoking not only affects the lungs and heart, but also the oral mucosa, gums, jawbone, wound healing, implants and the color of dentures. Even without your own teeth, assessment therefore remains important. We discuss smoking without judgement: our goal is for you to know what it means for your treatment and what help is available if you want to quit.

What does smoking do to the mouth?

teeth, fillings and dentures are more likely to discolour;
deposits and an unpleasant odor may return more quickly;
smell and taste may diminish;
the oral mucosa may become irritated or vulnerable;
gingivitis can be more serious;
wounds heal less predictably;
the risk of oral cancer is increased.

Nicotine constricts blood vessels. As a result, inflamed gums in a smoker may bleed less quickly, even though disease is still present. The absence of bleeding gums does not automatically mean that the gums are healthy.

Smoking with complete dentures

Complete dentures do not protect the mucous membrane against tobacco smoke. Redness, pressure points, fungal infections or other changes may occur under the prosthesis. Because you cannot always see this area clearly, periodic checks are important, even if you no longer have any teeth.

Contact us if you have a wound, ulcer, swelling, white or red spot, pain or a change that does not disappear within about two weeks. Usually there is an innocent explanation, for example a pressure sore, but assessment is sensible.

Discoloration and deposits on the prosthesis

Nicotine and tar can cause a yellow or brown deposit on plastic teeth, denture base and natural teeth. A rougher surface will hold new deposits more easily.

clean the denture daily with a denture brush and water or the recommended agent;
do not use regular toothpaste on plastic, as it can be abrasive;
do not use bleach, chlorine, abrasives or hot water;
do not scratch off deposits yourself with a knife or sharp object;
have stubborn deposits professionally assessed and cleaned.

Cleaning can reduce discoloration, but not always completely remove it. For heavily discolored or worn denture teeth, a different solution may be necessary.

Smoking after tooth extraction

After extraction, a blood clot should protect the wound. Smoking can disrupt wound healing. Sucking on a cigarette, heat and substances from smoke can put extra strain on the wound. This can cause pain, bleeding, inflammation or delayed healing.

Always follow the personal instructions of the dentist or implantologist. The safest thing to do is to quit before treatment and not smoke during the entire healing period. If that is not possible, discuss this honestly with the practitioner; then the risk can be taken into account and we can look for support together.

Smoking and an immediate denture

With an immediate denture, the dentures are placed immediately after extraction. The prosthesis protects some of the wounds, but does not remove the negative effect of smoking on healing. In addition, the jaw and mucous membrane change rapidly during this period.

Increased pain, a bad taste, swelling, fever, pus, a sudden ill-fitting prosthesis or bleeding that does not subside are reasons to contact us. During the first period, only remove the denture according to the instructions you received when it was fitted.

Smoking and implants or implant-retained removable dentures

Implants require healthy jawbone and gums. Smoking has an unfavorable influence on wound healing after implant placement and increases the risk of inflammation around implants. This can cause an implant to grow less well or lose support later.

Implant-retained removable dentures must remain removable for daily cleaning. Carefully clean the denture, locators, stud attachments or bar and the surrounding gums. Bleeding, red or swollen gums, pus, a bad taste, pain or a change in retention are reasons for inspection. In smokers, bleeding as a warning may be less obvious.

The implantologist will assess your general health, oral hygiene, bone and smoking behavior in advance. Quitting smoking increases the chance of a favorable recovery and a lasting result.

Smoking, alcohol and oral cancer

Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer. Anyone who regularly consumes a lot of alcohol is at additional risk. Oral cancer can also develop in people without teeth. That is why during check-ups we not only examine the prosthesis, but also the tongue, cheeks, palate, floor of the mouth and jaw edges.

Have an area that does not heal, unexplained swelling, a hard lump, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, numbness or unexplained pain assessed. If you are concerned, do not wait until the next scheduled check-up.

Is vaping or heated tobacco a safe alternative?

Vaping and heated tobacco are not harmless. They may contain nicotine and other irritating or harmful substances. Doctors do not recommend an e-cigarette as a preferred means of quitting. Discuss safe and proven support with your GP, practice nurse or quit smoking coach.

What changes when you stop?

Quitting is always useful, even if you have been smoking for a long time. Blood circulation and wound healing can improve and dental treatments are more likely to have a favorable outcome. Deposits and odors do not always disappear on their own; If necessary, have the denture professionally cleaned and maintain it properly.

After stopping, gums may temporarily bleed more easily because blood flow is restored and existing inflammation becomes more visible. Have this assessed rather than thinking that stopping is the cause of the inflammation.

Help with quitting smoking

Stopping is often easier with guidance. You can contact:

your GP or practice nurse;
a recognized smoking cessation coach;
Ikstopnu.nl and the free Stoplijn smoking cessation helpline on 0800-1995;
your pharmacy for information about nicotine replacements and medications.

Nicotine patches do not strain the mouth as nicotine gum or lozenges can sometimes do. Which aid is suitable depends on your health and medications. Choose this together with a supervisor. Do not use vaping as a quitting method on your own initiative.

When will you contact us?

a wound, white or red spot persists for more than about two weeks;
you have persistent pain, swelling, pus, fever or a bad taste;
the prosthesis always causes a wound in the same place;
an implant or implant-retained removable denture feels different or loose;
you experience bleeding after extraction or implantation that does not diminish;
you want to stop before treatment and are looking for help or a feasible plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke with dentures?

Dentures do not prevent smoking, but neither do they protect the mouth against the consequences. Discoloration, mucous membrane problems and slower healing remain possible. Regular checks are important.

How long should I not smoke after extraction or implantation?

The required smoke-free period depends on the procedure and your recovery. Follow the instructions of the dentist or implantologist. It is best to stop before treatment and remain smoke-free during the entire healing period.

Can a smoke stain be removed from my denture?

Light deposits sometimes occur, but scrubbing with toothpaste or abrasive will damage the plastic. Stubborn deposits require professional cleaning or assessment.

Can I use nicotine gum with a prosthesis?

Chewing gum can stick to a prosthesis or cause jaw joint complaints. Nicotine patches may therefore be more practical, but ask your doctor, coach or pharmacist which aid is suitable for you.

Resources and further information

This page provides general information. The instructions regarding extraction, implantation and wound healing may differ per person.