Tobacco & Oral Health
Health Problems Caused By Smoking
Tobacco is one of the greatest public health challenges the world faces today. Every year over 4.9 million deaths are caused by tobacco. By 2030, unless there are dramatic reductions in tobacco use, that number will rise to 10 million deaths annually. There is overwhelming evidence showing that tobacco use causes many diseases, including stroke; heart attack; chronic bronchitis; chronic cough; asthma; cold; and cancer of the lungs, throat, mouth, stomach, kidney and bladder.
Half of all regular smokers die of a condition caused by smoking.
Tobacco Facts
While most people are aware of the impact tobacco use has on their overall health, some might not consider its effects on oral health, including:
50 percent of smoking adults have gum (periodontal) disease.
Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.
Cigarette smokers are nearly twice as likely to need root canal treatment.
Smoking leads to reduced effectiveness of treatment for gum disease.
Tobacco reduces the body's ability to fight infection, including in the mouth and gums. Smoking also limits the growth of blood vessels, slowing the healing of gum tissue after oral surgery or from injury.
Smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips. Users of smokeless tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop these cancers than non-users.
Cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff and unprocessed tobacco leaves (used as cigar wrappers) contain tiny particles that are abrasive to teeth. When mixed with saliva and chewed, an abrasive paste is created that wears down teeth over time.
Best Choice Is To Quit!
If you are a smoker or tobacco user the best thing you can do for your health and teeth is to quit as soon as you can.
Make the commitment today to put your best effort to stop smoking.
