Although it’s old news that any use of tobacco products can create serious health risks for you and those around you. Even more, it directly relates to many oral health issues people across the nation are facing.
Tobacco, whether you are chewing it or smoking it, causes a significant number of health problems including oral cancer which includes cancer of the lips, tongue, throat and mouth. Any version of tobacco use can also cause tooth loss or stain your teeth dramatically. In fact, the American Cancer Society stated that an estimated 90% diagnosed with oral cancer had used tobacco products at one point or another in their lives. In addition, if you’ve used tobacco in any form, you are considered six times more likely to be at risk of oral cancer. The greater amount used, the greater the danger. Chewing or smoking tobacco long term can put your teeth and gum health at major risk. Listed below are just some of the ways that tobacco can negatively affect your oral health:
-
Discolored Teeth
One of the first visible effects of smoking or chewing tobacco is the slight or severe yellowing and other incredible discoloration of the teeth.
-
Gum Disease/Periodontitis
According to the Journal of Periodontology, if you smoke or chew tobacco, you are about four times more likely to have gum disease.
-
Tooth Loss
Smokers are twice more likely to suffer from tooth loss than non-smokers.
-
Halitosis/ Bad Breath
Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the amount of bacteria in the mouth, causing chronic smelly breath.
-
Delayed Healing
Also known as dry socket, tobacco can cause poor healing after any amount of tooth extraction.
We recommend tobacco users try to kick the habit as soon as possible. Although often it is easier said than done, once you quit, your risk for serious oral health risks can incrementally decrease. In addition to quitting tobacco use, maintain regular dental checkups in order to keep the health of your gums and teeth in check.
To maintain your teeth healthy visit your trusted Livermore Hills Dentist at least twice a year to get an exam and checkup. Prevent your teeth from being ruined by maintaining your dental hygiene and stopping tobacco usage to support your dental health.