Learn the Consequences Tobacco Products have on Your Oral Health
The initial health concern people generally associate with smoking tobacco is lung cancer. However, smoking will often affect other regions of the body, like your dental wellness. Aside from enamel yellowing as a result of smoking, using tobacco products puts you at risk of severe oral health illnesses. The majority of oral cancer diagnoses are a direct result of snuff tobacco and cigarettes. Keep reading to find out more about the negative effects of using tobacco from our Houston, TX oral care team at Made Ya Smile West 8, TX and how stopping is advantageous for your dental wellness.
The consequences of smoking cigarettes
About one in every five adults in the U.S. uses tobacco products every day. However, tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease in the country. E-cigarettes, smoking, and snuff tobacco have been linked to severe health issues, like:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Tooth decay
- Diabetes
- Mouth cancer, such as the throat, cheek, tongue, and gum tissues
- Emphysema
- Periodontal deterioration
- Cardiac disease
- Long-term bronchitis
Does tobacco use ruin your oral structures?
Using tobacco products not only raises your chance of oral cancer — the longer you smoke, the more harm you will take to your oral wellness. Houston, TX adults who smoke are more likely to accumulate tartar than nonsmokers, resulting in gum disease. More damaging effects of tobacco on your oral health consist of:
- Irritates the gum tissues, making it easier for tartar to accumulate and lead to decay
- Prolonged healing after dental surgery or another type of dental treatment
- Cosmetic imperfections, including discoloration
- More likely to have jawbone deterioration
- Heightened risk of esophageal, mouth, or lip cancer
- Halitosis
Dental wellness and the impacts tobacco use takes on your overall condition
If you use tobacco or smoke cigarettes, decrease the risk of dental wellness issues by brushing twice daily and flossing. Go to a dentist biannually for regular teeth cleanings and exams. But if you can, please stop smoking or try to ease up. Evidence backs up that smokers who cut back to half a pack a day can dramatically reduce their odds of getting periodontal disease. While using vape pens is considered less risky to gum tissues when compared to tobacco, it's still not a safe solution.
Get the assistance you need to preserve your enamel and gum tissues by calling our dental professionals at Made Ya Smile West 8, TX. To discover more or arrange an appointment, reach out to our staff in Houston, TX or find us on the web.