{"id":126,"date":"2025-06-12T14:47:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T14:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brianlaverydmd.com\/blog\/?p=126"},"modified":"2025-07-15T14:50:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T14:50:15","slug":"how-smoking-can-harm-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brianlaverydmd.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/12\/how-smoking-can-harm-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Dry Dilemma: How Smoking Can Harm Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"An<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Saliva is probably not something most people spend a lot of time thinking about. In fact, many likely take it for granted. Unfortunately, however, if you smoke or use tobacco products, you may suffer from a lack<\/em> of saliva, known as dry mouth or xerostomia. Here\u2019s why this condition is so dangerous, and what you can do to keep your mouth hydrated even if you\u2019re a tobacco user!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Saliva<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Saliva is a fluid that is produced and secreted by your salivary glands. It is comprised of about 99 percent water, but is also home to mucus, electrolytes, enzymes, and even antimicrobial agents. In addition to keeping your mouth hydrated, saliva also aids in digestion, oral health<\/a>, and even your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dangers of Dry Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you smoke, vape, or chew tobacco, your mouth can easily dry out, because nicotine (which is found in tobacco) can reduce your saliva production. Furthermore, the heat and chemicals in cigarette smoke and vaping fluid can also damage and irritate your salivary glands, worsening dry mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Increase Saliva Production if You Smoke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The safest and most effective way to increase saliva production if you smoke is to quit smoking. If that is not possible, you can try encouraging it by doing the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n