If you’ve been struggling to try and stop smoking, try speaking to me about a
bout it.
I am in a unique position to counsel my patients about tobacco use and offer them advice and encouragement. I often first tell my patients about tobacco’s harmful effect which appear on the mouth and throat. Over time, tobacco use can lead to:
- Oral cancer.
- Gum disease.
- Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or surgery.
- Bad breath.
- Stained teeth.
- Diminished sense of taste and smell.
If those problems aren’t enough to make you kick the habit, perhaps this will: According to the American Dental Association, smoking may be responsible for almost 75% of gum disease among adults.
Tobacco products damage gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue. One example of this is receding gums. A receding gum line exposes the tooth roots and increases your risk of sensitivity to hot and cold, and tooth decay.
If you’re a smokeless tobacco user – you’re not immune either. There are at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals in smokeless tobacco products, like chew. Smokeless tobacco is known to cause cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue, and pancreas. Users also may be at risk for cancer of the voice box, esophagus, colon, and bladder. This is because smokeless tobacco users often swallow some of the toxins in the juice.
Ick!
Scare tactics aside, using tobacco – in any form – is just plain bad for your body, your mouth, and your smile.
Pledge to butt out this year. I can help you. The American Dental Association offers many tips and strategies to help get people on the smoke-free path. If this is something you’re struggling with, be sure to talk to me about it at your next dental visit – or anytime.
