How Do Tobacco Products Affect Our Dental Health?
What Is Tobacco?
It is a plant species, Nicotiana tabacum, grown for its leaves. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is an addictive stimulant. Many people know about tobacco through its products like cigarettes and cigars.
When burned and smoked, tobacco releases harmful chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens. These are the chemicals that medical experts and dentists at Dental Impressions advocate against because they cause serious health problems.
Still, despite the well-known health risks of tobacco use, including lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, and oral conditions, it remains a common substance worldwide.
What Counts as Tobacco Usage?
Smoking cigarettes may be the most common form of tobacco usage, but it is not the only one. Over the years, people have discovered new ways to use tobacco daily. Some of the ways that you can use tobacco are:
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes
- Chewing tobacco
- Other smokeless tobacco products, such as snuff and snus
- Electronic cigarettes
- Vaping devices that contain nicotine
- Nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges
Will All Tobacco Harm Your Oral Health?
Yes, all forms of tobacco use can harm your oral health. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that damage teeth, gums, and other oral tissues.
Besides, all forms of tobacco usage carry health risks and can be addictive. Therefore, a dentist in Chicago will automatically admonish using any tobacco.
How Does Tobacco Affect Oral Health?
The nicotine and tar present in tobacco products can cause various oral problems, including the following:
- Oral cancer – tobacco is a major risk factor for oral cancer, affecting the lips, tongue, gums, and other soft tissues. According to the American Cancer Society, about 90% of people with oral cancer use tobacco. Any dentist near you will tell smokers are 50% more likely to get mouth cancer than non-smokers.
- Gum disease – smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infection and inflammation in the gums. The infection eventually leads to tooth loss.
- Tooth decay – the chemicals in tobacco products damage tooth enamel, making it easier for bacteria to cause cavities.
- Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth – even after teeth brushing.
- Stained teeth – tobacco causes yellow or brown stains on teeth, which can be difficult to remove.
- Delayed healing – tobacco use can slow healing after dental procedures, such as tooth extraction or gum surgery. The longer you take to heal, the higher the risk of wound infections, compromising the procedure’s success.
How To Counter the Effects of Tobacco on Oral Health
If you want sustainable changes in your oral health before and after visiting a Chicago dental clinic, be willing to quit smoking and all other tobacco usage. Otherwise, all the measures your dentist employs will not bear much success. Other steps you can take to minimize the damage to your oral health are:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. A dentist near you can detect early signs of oral problems and provide appropriate treatments to prevent further damage.
- Use nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum or patches, if you are trying to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. These can help reduce cravings and manage your withdrawal symptoms.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and reduce the risk of a dry mouth.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion. The last thing you need is to add to the list of things that worsen your dental health.
- Avoid taking alcohol, or limit its consumption. By itself, alcohol will stain your teeth, ruin your breath, cause inflammation, and slow healing, among other issues. Therefore, if you take alcohol while using tobacco, how much more damage will occur to your oral health?