Smoking
& Your Oral Health Explained
What effects does smoking have on my oral health?
- Use of tobacco
products increases the likelihood of developing oral cancer and gum
(periodontal) disease.
- Tobacco products
are known to damage your gum tissue & affect the integrity of
bone and soft tissue in your mouth.
- Using tobacco
products (smoking) has been known to delay the healing process after
major dental treatments.
- Smoking gives
you bad breath, stained teeth, and damaging buildup on your teeth.
Can I smoke cigars
as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes? No.
Cigars aren't a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Even though most
people do not inhale when smoking a cigar, they are still at risk for
oral and throat cancers.
Cigar smokers and cigarette smokers expose themselves to a much greater
risk for gum (periodontal) disease. Just as cigarettes do, cigarettes
also stain the teeth and leave the smoker with bad breath. Cigar smoke
(and cigarette smoke) can cause staining of the teeth and tongue as well
as bad breath.
Are smokeless tobacco products safe? No.
Smokeless tobacco products have an array of different toxins that are
linked to cancer. Smokeless tobacco will irritate your gum tissue, causing
it to recede or separate from your teeth. Once your gum tissue recedes,
the roots of your teeth are exposed, increasing your risk of developing
tooth decay. Sugars are sometimes added to enhance the appeal of smokeless
tobacco, which also contributes to an increased your risk of developing
tooth decay. FACT!! Smokeless tobacco
also typically contains some sand, this will eventually wear down your
teeth.
What are the warning signs of oral cancer?
The signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have oral cancer
include:
- Any sign of irritation:
tenderness, burning or a sore that won't heal
- Pain, tenderness
or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
- Development of
any lumps or a leathery, bumpy or wrinkled patch inside your mouth
- Color changes
in your gums (such as gray, red, or white spots) other than a healthy
pink
- Problems chewing
or swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
- Changes in the
way your teeth fit together
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