Do you have constant bad breath (halitosis)? Are your teeth yellowed and discolored? Do you constantly battle plaque buildup and tartar? Do you have gum disease? Do you smoke?
The fact is that tobacco and your smoking habit could be the cause of the above oral problems. But that is just the beginning. Smoking can also increase your risk for leukemia, increase the loss of bone in your jaw, lower the success rate of dental implant procedures, and increase your risk for developing oral cancer.
Why is Tobacco so harmful?
Smoking tobacco products, like cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells and affects the attachment of bone and soft tissues to your teeth. This increases smokers’ risk for gum disease and other oral health problems.
Just in case you were wondering, smokeless tobacco products, like snuff and chewing tobacco, are just as bad for your health, containing 28 chemicals known to increase your risk for oral cancer. And a Journal of the American Dental Association study showed that chewing tobacco users were four times more likely than nonusers to develop tooth decay. So do yourself and your teeth a favor and kick the habit.
Ask your dentist or doctor for recommendations on how to quit.
If you have any questions about Tobacco and Oral Health or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
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Source: Smoking and Oral Health WebMD