If you are a smoker, you should be aware of the impact that tobacco has on your oral health as well as your overall health. Using tobacco products (smoking or chewing) can lead to a number of dental problems such as:
- Oral cancer
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Tooth discoloration
- Jaw bone loss
- Plaque and tartar build-up
- Inflammation or swelling in and around the mouth
- Bad breath
- The delayed healing process for both oral and other medical procedures
Also, tobacco contains nicotine which is harmful to your mouth. Nicotine reduces the amount of blood flow through your veins. This means that your gums are not getting the oxygen and nutrients needed to stay healthy. Without blood flow, your gum tissue may die. Nicotine puts you at higher risk for developing gingivitis and periodontitis.
Impacts of Nicotine on Your Oral Health
Nicotine can:
- cause gum recession (gum line is worn away from the tooth)
- hide symptoms of gum disease
- increase teeth grinding
- cause dry mouth and bad breath
Reducing Your Risks
Cigarettes are addictive and kicking the tobacco habit is more difficult for some, than for others. However, there are ways that Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh or your primary care physician can help you to kick your tobacco habit. There are medications such as nicotine gum and patches that will help to calm your nicotine cravings. These can be purchased over the counter.
Some prescribed medications have been successful in helping people kick the tobacco habit. Your physician may offer or suggest taking a smoking cessation class or joining a support group in addition to using prescribed medications. In addition, you may want to consider using herbal remedies, acupuncture and even hypnosis to stop smoking. Many individuals have tried and have been successful.
Regardless of which option you choose, know that you will be improving the quality of your oral and overall health and reducing the health risks associated with tobacco use.
Dr. Sarkarzadeh and the team at Congressional Dental Care are committed to providing the best dental care possible to our patients. If you need help kicking the tobacco habit, contact us to schedule a consultation.