Is smoking bad for the gums?

Yes, smoking is one of the leading risk factors for gum health. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels in the gums, lowering circulation and immune response, so periodontal disease develops more easily and progresses faster, and studies consistently report a higher risk of periodontal disease in smokers than in non-smokers. Because of that vessel constriction, early signs such as bleeding gums are also masked, so the problem tends to be found late. Smoking also hinders healing after implant or gum surgery, so we recommend stopping at least for the period around treatment.