04 Mar The Effects of Tobacco and Nicotine On Your Dental Health
Tobacco products and nicotine can have profound effects on your dental and overall health. While most people know that smoking cigarettes and cigars greatly increases their risks for developing respiratory problems, cardiac disease, and cancers, many folks may overlook the way in which smoking and using nicotine can affect oral health. If you smoke or use smokeless varieties of tobacco and nicotine, we invite you to discuss this with our dentist so that we can look for signs of potential problems that you might be at risk for.
Tobacco Use and Gum Disease
Using tobacco – especially cigarettes and cigars – greatly increases one’s risk for developing gum disease. Smoke from tobacco products irritates the gingival tissue because it contains thousands of carcinogens and additives. Moreover, using tobacco has a drying effect on the mouth, another problem that leads to irritation and inflammation of the gums.
Exposure to tobacco smoke along with dry mouth can lead to having infected gum tissue. Early stage gum disease rarely produces noticeable symptoms but this disease’s progression can literally destroy the oral health system by loosening teeth, causing permanent damage to the gums and jawbones. Scheduling routine checkups and cleanings is essential to detecting gum disease as early as possible. With early intervention, gum disease is manageable and curable.
Oral Cancer and Tobacco
A wealth of scientific and medical research has proven a link between cigarette/cigar smoke and the formation of various types of cancer. While many people know that smoking can lead to lung cancer, for example, some are unaware that smoking greatly increases the risk for oral cancer, too.
Oral cancer can form anywhere in the oral cavity – especially along soft tissues like the linings of the cheeks and lips and the tongue. Early detection of oral cancer is important for increasing one’s recovery and livelihood.
Our team offers smoking cessation counseling and encourages our patients who use nicotine or tobacco to discuss their lifestyle habits with our dentist so that we can better serve you.
Contact our office today to reserve an appointment with our caring and professional team!