23 Sep How Tobacco Use Affects Your Oral Health
It is no secret that smoking is bad for the health. Tobacco products can cause a lot of issues for your teeth and gums. Keep reading to learn more about how using tobacco can negatively affect your smile and increase your risk for certain diseases.
Bad Breath and Stained Teeth
Many people believe that a person’s smile is one of the most attractive features of their overall appearance. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you are increasing your risk for stained teeth, which decreases the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Regular use of tobacco might also give you bad breath that brushing your teeth or using mouthwash will not cure.
More Oral Health Issues
Smoking and tobacco use can increase your risk for certain oral issues, including periodontal disease, which could eventually cause significant tooth loss. These habits also make it more difficult for your mouth to heal after a procedure like a tooth extraction. They might also make it harder for the dentist to perform certain cosmetic procedures that could improve the look and feel of your smile.
Increased Oral Cancer Risk
One of the most serious factors of using tobacco products is increasing your risk for oral cancer. Almost 40,00 Americans are diagnosed with some form of oral cancer every year. The disease is responsible for more than 7,000 deaths annually. If you stop smoking or using other forms of tobacco, you can significantly reduce your risk for these kinds of cancers.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. John Carson to get the dental checkups you need to spot oral issues like periodontal disease or oral cancer early. As one of the top dentists in Tucson, Dr. Carson does everything he can to ensure that his patients always get the care they need to maintain the health of their teeth and gums. To learn more about the practice or to schedule an appointment, visit us online or call (520) 514-7203.