Can I Smoke After Tooth Extraction?

After having a tooth extraction, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing an infection or dry socket, one of the most important being to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours following your procedure. Smoking too soon after the extraction of a tooth exposes the surgical area to toxins found in the cigarette smoke, which increases your risk of inflammation or of developing a dry socket. Additionally, the act of inhaling can expel the blood clot that is being formed. While your risk of developing these issues following this 72 hour time period is greatly reduced, this may be a good opportunity to quit smoking entirely, especially if you have been looking for an excuse to save money and improve your overall oral and physical health.

To learn more about the benefits quitting smoking can have on your physical and oral health, please refer to the following.

Risks Associated with Smoking

It is commonly known that tobacco use puts anyone at a higher risk of general health issues, but what many people do not realize is that it can also have a significantly negative impact on your overall oral health. One of the primary reasons smoking is bad for your oral health is because it blocks the flow of blood to your gums, which can slow down your body’s ability to heal and increases you risk of developing oral, throat, or esophageal cancer and gum disease.

In addition to these serious and life-threatening illnesses, smoking also increases your risk of the following:

• Bad breath
• Tartar and plaque buildup
• Tooth discoloration
• Higher risk of oral cancer
• Higher risk of jawbone deterioration
• Higher risk of periodontal disease
• Delayed healing process following a procedure
• Increased risk of dry socket following a tooth extraction

Methods for Stopping Smoking

Although stopping smoking can be an incredibly difficult thing to do, there are several different approaches to managing nicotine cravings, such as nicotine gum or nicotine patches. If you have tried these things with little success, talk to your doctor about medication options that can help control cravings. There are also many supplements and over the counter medications that can assist with helping you manage these cravings. If you are averse to taking medication, you may consider alternative treatment methods, such as hypnosis or acupuncture. Many hospitals and community clinics also host support groups for individuals trying to stop smoking.

If you are not ready to quit smoking cold turkey, please know that there are benefits to reducing how much you smoke. Although there is no such thing as smoking a healthy amount of cigarettes, you will reduce your risk of developing gum disease or issues like a dry socket after a tooth extraction if you smoke half a pack a day compared to those who smoke an entire pack. Still, the best thing you can do to significantly reduce your risk of developing these and other health issues is to stop smoking entirely, and a tooth extraction may be the perfect reason to start this process.

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