As most people know, tobacco is a detriment to proper dental health.The negative effects of tobacco use are normally associated with cancer, but the health of a person’s teeth and mouth is often overlooked. Bad breath isn’t the only issue from tobacco use, however, and you may end up spending thousands of dollars to fix issues associated with your deteriorating dental health.
Tobacco and Teeth
The signs of tobacco use are normally noticed by the color of someone’s teeth. Tobacco causes tooth discoloration, turning an otherwise pearly smile into a yellow hued grin. People may think that bleaching kits and dental visits will cover up discoloration, but that can cost several thousand dollars, and doesn’t cure the real dental health problems that are lurking beneath the surface.
Tobacco usage leads to an increased amount of plaque and tartar buildup that can eventually cause gum disease. If gum disease is allowed to progress to dangerous levels, you risk tooth loss, and dental replacements can get quite expensive. Unfortunately for smokers, smoking increases the risk that your dental replacement procedure won’t be successful.
Oral Cancers and Tobacco
Cigarettes are full of toxins that are proven to increase your risk of oral cancer. Leukoplakia and Erythroplakia are indications that an individual may have cancer. A whitish patch that develops inside the mouth or throat characterizes Leukoplakia, and a raised pitch that grows inside the mouth characterizes Erthroplakia.
Unfortunately, the only way to find out if either of these conditions contains cancer or precancerous cells is through a biopsy. As you can imagine, waiting to find out if you have oral cancer is a terrible experience, and this is not something you want to put yourself or your loved ones through.
Smoking and Other Dental Health Issues
Aside from creating issues with your teeth and raising your risk of some oral cancers, tobacco usage can cause severe damage to the health of your entire mouth. An increased loss of bone within the jaw, inflammation of salivary gland openings, and delayed healing times for surgeries are all negative effects of smoking tobacco.
Take Control of Your Dental Health
At the end of the day, the well-being of your teeth and dental health relies on you. While you may only notice bad breath initially, smoking tobacco will obviously impact your overall health. Make the right decisions today, so you can have a better tomorrow.
Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville
Your well-being is important to the professionals of Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville. Whether you have questions about improving you dental health or just need a cleaning, the most important step is making an appointment. Call today at 410-747-1115, or submit any questions by visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.