As you most likely know, tobacco use can have detrimental effects on your health, including your oral health. Tobacco products contain multiple poisonous chemicals, including tar, nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, and carcinogens, all of which can take years off of your life. According to research, a burning cigarette produces more than 700 chemicals, of which 69 are carcinogens. These chemicals leave a residue that deposits stains on your teeth and builds up in your mouth and gums. This can significantly increase the risk of oral diseases such as oral cancer, oral mucosal lesions, periodontal disease, and dental caries, among many other conditions. If you smoke or chew tobacco, it’s important to look after your oral health to prevent dental problems. Please continue reading to learn more about the dangers of using tobacco products and schedule an appointment with our seasoned general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ who can help you maintain your oral health.
What Are the Effects of Tobacco Products on Oral Health?
One of the most common dental issues caused by tobacco use is tooth discoloration. As mentioned above, tobacco contains numerous chemicals including nicotine and tar which can stain the teeth, leaving them yellow or brown in appearance. Smoking tobacco products also reduces the flow of saliva, which can make your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Individuals are more likely to experience halitosis or bad breath due to the build-up of bacteria.
Additionally, people who use tobacco products are more likely to get infections, which in turn, increases the chance of tooth loss. This is because they don’t heal as well as non-smokers. They are at a higher risk of developing gum disease because their body is way less likely to effectively fight infections as their immune system is weak. Tobacco products irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed.
Tooth loss can make it difficult to chew, speak clearly, or have confidence in your smile when teeth aren’t replaced. It’s important to prevent tooth loss and gum disease to maintain your oral health. Furthermore, there is also an increased risk of oral cancer as the chemicals in tobacco products damage the cells in the mouth and throat. This leads to the development of cancerous tumors.
As you can see, quitting tobacco use altogether is crucial for your oral health. This will improve the appearance of your smile and reduce the risk of developing dental diseases. If you are struggling to quit, you should consider scheduling an appointment with our dedicated team who can help you understand the long-term effects of using tobacco products. At the Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we are prepared to help you treat your dental issues. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can assist you in improving your oral health.
