How Tobacco Harms Your Teeth, Gums and Oral Health

Common Forms of Tobacco:

• Cigarettes
• E-cigarettes
• Beedi
• Cigars
• Pipes
• Sheesha / Hookah
• Gutka

Tobacco is consumed in many ways, with cigarettes being the most commonly used product across the globe. Despite statutory warnings, research driven evidence about its dangers and constant warnings, the consumption of cigarettes continues to rise in urban as well as rural areas. What is worrisome is that teenagers who are still to turn 18, are also smoking regularly. 

Tobacco – a Serious Health Hazard: 

Whether it is inhaled, chewed or puffed, tobacco is a dangerous substance, though it appears harmless and seems to temporarily release stress, the harm it causes far outweighs any temporary benefit.

• Nicotine, a naturally occurring compound in tobacco, is highly addictive.

• Carbon monoxide, also present in tobacco smoke, is toxic to health.

• Even passive smokers - those who inhale secondhand smoke are at risk.

Many falsely assume that e-cigarettes (vapes) or hookah are safe alternatives, but the risks remain equally dangerous.

Tobacco consumers are not only more vulnerable to conditions like emphysema, pregnancy complications, brain, health or heart diseases, but also likely to face more complicated oral health challenges related to their teeth and gums.

Cigarette, beedi as well as hookah smoking are also linked to lung, bladder, stomach, oesophageal and oral cancers.

Research shows that smokers are 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers, and only 50 percent will survive after 5 years.

Oral Health Risks of Tobacco Use:

Over time, tobacco affects the lungs and shrinks their capacity to absorb sufficient oxygen. This combined with the effects of nicotine and carbon monoxide, reduce a person's immunity, making them more prone to illness. In addition to life-threatening conditions like emphysema, heart disease, and cancer, tobacco significantly impacts oral health:

1. Stained teeth:

It is common knowledge that tobacco users will always have stained yellowish or brownish teeth. This makes their smile appear unattractive, which can subtly affect their social and professional interactions. 

2. Bad breath:

Chronic halitosis (bad breath) is one of the outcomes that smokers have to inherently deal with. Even if they try to disguise it with mints or chewing gum, the odour persists, which can often make one feel awkward in the presence of friends and family. 

3. Mouth Dryness (Xerostomia):

Tobacco reduces saliva production, leading to a dry mouth. Without saliva to cleanse the mouth, plaque and bacteria multiply, causing gum infections, ulcers, and eventually tooth or bone loss.

4. Tooth decay:

Nicotine, being sticky, clings to the tooth enamel. Subsequently plaque as well as bacteria stick to the nicotine, which start to form an acidic substance that becomes a leading factor for tooth decay. 

Smokers or tobacco consumers should quit the habit as urgently as possible, to avoid paying a heavy price for their addiction.

If you notice any of the following symptoms: Schedule an appointment with your trusted dentist:

• Recurring bleeding in the mouth or throat
• Whitish or reddish patches in the mouth or on the lips
• Mouth sores or ulcers that persist beyond 2 weeks 
• Any growth, inflammation or swelling near the mouth or neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness while speaking

Speak to the experts at Apollo Dental. We're here to help you quit tobacco and protect your oral health. Call: 18001020288