Tooth Loss

Smoking puts you at greater risk for all kinds of dental problems, including oral cancer and gum disease.

In fact, according to a 2005 U.K. study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, smokers are up to six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Wouldn't you rather be doing, well, anything other than sitting in a dentist's chair?

 

Why Do Lips Turn Black When Smoking?

Quitting a smoking habit can, over time, reverse skin and lip damage and discoloration.

Smoking is generally known to cause serious health risks and breathing difficulties. But what many people don't realize is that nicotine--a highly addictive alkaloid found in most cigarettes and cigars--inflicts damage to the skin and natural hue of the lips. Chronic cigarette and cigar smoking can, over time, discolor the lips, and make it harder to reverse the damage.

* Blood Circulation

According to Why Quit, when nicotine hits the central nervous system, it activates the body's fight or flight response and causes the immediate release of stored fats into the bloodstream. These fats begin to stick to vessel walls damaged by toxic carbon monoxide; vessels begin to harden over time, further accelerating artery narrowing and clogging and restricting oxygen and blood flow to all parts of the body. A decrease in facial artery oxygen and blood flow can discolor the face, making skin pale and dry and discolor the lips to a pale or dark blue tint. Quitting a smoking habit and exercising at least three times a week can restimulate proper blood circulation.

* Iron Deficiency

The nicotine in cigarettes reduces iron absorption. Iron is a key element of producing hemoglobin---a substance that gives blood its red color. When hemoglobin absorption is disrupted, lips can begin to turn black. Smokers should increase their red meat intake (and other foods high in iron) to get more iron. Other treatments for iron deficiencies caused by smoking include eating foods rich in vitamin C or taking vitamin C supplements to help the body absorb iron more efficiently.

* Vitamin D Deficiency

Smoking can decrease the absorption of essential vitamins needed to maintain health and protect the body from harmful outside barriers. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are more damaging to the skin and the lips of smokers than it is with non-smokers. Smokers are simply more susceptible to lip discoloration and dryness. Lips turn black when the skin's pigmentation is altered from too much exposure to the sun and its UV rays. Adequate amounts of vitamin D is essential to protecting the skin from damaging effects of UV rays.

*Nicotine

Nicotine contains ingredients that stain the skin. The effect is discoloration and causes the lips to lose their natural hue. Lip discoloration caused by nicotine staining can be reversed over time when a person stops smoking. There are many remedies that can reverse lip discoloration: maintain a healthy diet high in fruits and green vegetables, exfoliate your lips with a toothbrush and gentle soap every day, and apply lip balm with SPF 15 or cocoa butter to soften lips and protect them from UV rays (which can worsen the condition of dark lips). Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption.

* Dehydration

Dehydration is another culprit that causes black lips in smokers. A lack of adequate water can affect the natural hue of the lips. According to Dry Skin Care, "smoking dries out the body both internally and externally." Chronic smokers can develop severe dehydration over time, which can cause blue and dark lips; dry, blotchy skin; cold hands and feet; rapid breathing; rapid and weak pulse; low blood pressure; and disinterest in drinking more water and fluids. Smokers should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.