Dental professionals can often tell if a patient smokes by examining the teeth and gums. Smoking can cause a variety of oral health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Because of this, dentists are trained to look for signs of smoking during routine checkups.
One of the most common signs of smoking is tooth discoloration. Nicotine and tar can stain the teeth, causing them to appear yellow or brown. Additionally, smoking can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. In some cases, smoking can also lead to tooth loss.
