Cause 8: Smoking
The list of health concerns associated with smoking is extensive. From lung cancer to cardiovascular diseases, the dangers are well documented. Yet, among these myriad health issues, the risk of oral thrush, albeit lesser-known, exists.
Cigarette smoke isn’t just harmful when inhaled; its residual effects on the oral mucosa can be detrimental. The toxic compounds present in tobacco can alter the oral environment, impairing the natural defenses that keep pathogens in check. Candida, ever the opportunist, seizes this chance to grow and establish itself.
Moreover, smoking can reduce salivary flow, leading to a drier mouth. As discussed earlier, a dry mouth is a prime setting for Candida proliferation. The diminished cleansing action of saliva combined with the toxic environment created by tobacco is a double whammy.
The advice here is straightforward: quit smoking. The oral health benefits of quitting are immediate and substantial. Not only does the risk of oral thrush reduce, but there’s also a marked decrease in the chances of gum diseases, tooth loss, and oral cancer.(8)
