How Do Tobacco Products Affect Your Oral Health?

Dr. Matthew Mangino

           

Tobacco products have a negative affect on oral health. Some effects tobacco products cause is bad breath, tooth discoloration, loss of taste and smell, and serious periodontal problems. Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the biggest risk factors in developing gum disease and that people who use tobacco develop more tartar on their teeth than non-tobacco users.

Smoking causes gumdisease to worsen and bone loss is more severe. The gums may not appear to be red or swollen and can give the false impression that the gums are healthy. This is because smoking interferes with the normal function of the gum tissues and impairs blood flow to the gums. Treatment becomes more difficult and less likely to succeed because smoking hinders the healing process in the mouth. 

 Smokeless tobacco is also known as "snuff", "spit" or chewing tobacco. It is held in the mouth between the teeth and cheek. Users spit out a black, tarry substance that forms when the tobacco joins with saliva. It is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth making it more addictive than smoking cigarettes. Users of chewing tobacco suffer permanent gum and bone loss even after they quit using it. Many people think of professional sports when they think of smokeless tobacco, but its use is increasing in teenagers.

No matter how long you have used tobacco products, quitting can quickly decrease your risk of developing:

•Oral cancer

•Cancers of the lungs and other parts of the body

•Heart disease and stroke

•Chronic bronchitis, emphysema (chronic lung disease)

•Periodontitis (gum disease) and tooth decay

•Premature aging

•Mouth sores or lesions that do not heal such as leukoplakia

Quitting is always the best option and there are many ways to help one quit. Talk to your dentist,dental hygienist, and your doctor about developing a strategy to quit. Have your dentist screen for early signs of oral cancer and periodontal disease. Anticipate triggers to smoking and prepare strategies on how to avoid them. Come up with a reward system and make goals for each day. Quitting is a very difficult process and it’s important to have loved ones as well as health professionals help along the way.

 Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!