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The tobacco companies have been placing warning labels on every pack of cigarettes for over four decades. They don’t do this because they care about your health–they do it because the United States Congress forced them to.
Today most people realize that smoking is a killer–it’s the major preventable cause of heart disease, lung disease and several types of cancer. We teach about the dangers of smoking in schools and there have been several public health campaigns on the subject.
The Many Ways Smoking Damages Your Smile
How many people know that cigarettes and other tobacco products can seriously damage your smile? That’s right. Smoking cigarettes has been scientifically linked to several negative health consequences:
- Oral cancer
- Stained teeth
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath
- More likely to need root canal surgery
- Gum disease
- The development of harmful plaque and tartar on your teeth
- Greater difficulty recovering from oral surgery
- Damaged tooth enamel
- Impaired sense of taste and smell
- Reduced jawbone density
- Tooth loss
Cigars are not Safe
A lot of people assume that cigars are harmless. Maybe that’s because people don’t inhale as deeply when they smoke cigars as they do with cigarettes. Also, the public health campaigns warning us about the dangers of cigars have not been as extensive as those for cigarettes. But don’t be fooled! Cigars a legitimate threat to your oral health that cause:
- Gum disease
- Stained teeth
- Bad breath
- Cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and larynx
Smokeless Tobacco is Also a Threat to Your Smile
Smokeless tobacco, which is often referred to as dip or chewing tobacco, is another serious hazard to your smile. This is particularly unfortunate because, like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco is highly addictive. Smokeless tobacco has been scientifically linked to the following harmful conditions:
- Tongue cancer
- Mouth cancer
- Gum disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cavities
- Lip cancer
Help for People Who Are Trying to Quit Tobacco
It’s hard to stop smoking. That’s what our patients tell us all the time. Fortunately, you are not alone in this struggle. For example, the American Cancer Society provides resources for people who are trying to quit. Good luck! We’ll be rooting for you.
Visit Your Dentist in Havre de Grace
If you want your smile to last a lifetime, it’s a good idea to avoid all tobacco products. It’s also a good idea to maintain a healthy smile by visiting Dr. Grubb at Family Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry for regular checkups. Call to schedule your appointment today.