Smoking masks signs of gingival inflammation and bleeding. This is because the small blood vessels pull away from the surface of the gum due to the localised effect of the smoke. 

Smoking also increases the risk of developing gum disease by 10 times! The combination of masked inflammation and increased risk often results in smokers having more severe gum disease which can go unnoticed for longer if they are not regularly seeing a dental professional. 

Treatment for periodontal disease is less successful in smokers, as is the longevity of dental implants.