HomeAnswersDentistrycigarette smokingCan a dentist tell if you smoke from looking inside the mouth?

Can a dentist tell if I smoke just by looking inside my mouth?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At June 21, 2017
Reviewed AtSeptember 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am going to remove my impacted wisdom tooth in two days. I am a frequent smoker. Can a dentist tell if I smoke or not by just seeing inside my mouth? If yes, how can I prevent the dentist from knowing that I am a smoker? Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query.

Do not smoke before the dentist appointment. First of all, I would like to tell you that smoking before tooth extraction is problematic for you. If you smoke before extraction, anesthesia will not be effective. And you will experience too much of pain. Further, smoking constricts blood vessels, so it reduces the blood flow to the extracted area. This impairs the healing of the wound and then develops a dry socket. Dry socket is a severely painful condition associated with unhealed socket and foul smell. So, it is better you do not smoke for now and for at least 72 hours after extraction. It is advised not to smoke for seven to ten days after extraction. Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Agrawal Nishaben Ashokkumar
Dr. Agrawal Nishaben Ashokkumar

Dentistry

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