Tobacco use and oral health is a real issue and if you have been having trouble quitting, there are some things that you should know about tobacco use and oral health
Everyone knows that smoking causes cancer and is bad for your health, however, according to your East Greenbush dentist, tobacco use can also cause problems for your oral health.
Oral Cancer
Staining aside one of the most serious problems when it comes to tobacco use and oral health is mouth cancer. Unfortunately, nearly 50 percent of all oral cancer cases end in death. According to the American Cancer Society, about 90 percent of people who have been diagnosed with oral cancer, which affects the mouth, throat, tongue and lips are tobacco users. If you smoke your risk increases the longer you refuse to kick the habit.
Periodontal Disease
Although smoking won’t cause cavities, it will affect your gums. Smoking can inflame your gums and begin the slow process of bone loss. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, kick the tobacco habit and see your East Greenbush Dentist. A recent study indicated that smoking was responsible for over 50 percent of all periodontal cases in the United States.
Stains
Smoking and chewing tobacco products will make your teeth yellow and can stain your tongue. Heavy smokers will have quite a bit of staining on the tongue and teeth. Habitually tobacco users will also notice brown staining on the teeth and the gums.
Tobacco Use and Oral Health
There is no safe form of tobacco. Tobacco in any form is a risk. According to the American Cancer Society, it is difficult to determine what is worse, tobacco that is inhaled or smoked or tobacco that is chewed.
Although pipe smokers may not be smoking as often as cigarette or cigar smokers, it can still cause problems for your oral health. Lip cancer is one of the biggest problems pipe smokers face.
People who chew tobacco face a four to six time higher risk when it comes to oral cancer than people who do not use smokeless tobacco at all. People who chew tobacco are also at risk for cavities and tooth decay as most smokeless tobacco contains sugar for flavoring.
Tobacco use and oral health is just as important as your overall health. Make sure that you see your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings and kick the habit once and for all; it really will make a difference to your teeth and gums.