Tobacco and Oral Health
If you’re thinking about quitting smoking or using tobacco products, now is a good time. Nicotine, the agent used in tobacco products, causes addiction and dependence. Quitting is hard to do, but the benefits will ensure a lower risk of heart attack, stroke or cancer, including oral cancer. So how do tobacco products affect your oral health? Here are some interesting facts:
- Tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer.
- There are a minimum of 28 cancer causing chemicals in tobacco products.
- Smokeless tobacco can cause cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue, and pancreas.
- Swallowing the toxins in the juice of tobacco can increase the risk of cancer in the voice box, esophagus, colon, and bladder.
- Smokeless tobacco can irritate gum tissues which can lead to periodontal disease.
- Flavored smokeless tobacco usually contains sugar, which causes tooth decay
The American Dental Association recommends seeking medical advice if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:
•any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning or a sore that will not heal
•pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
•development of a lump, or a leathery, wrinkled or bumpy patch inside your mouth; color changes to your oral soft tissues (gray, red or white spots or patches), rather than a healthy pink color;
•difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
•any change in the way your teeth fit together.
At Chalet Dental Care your health is important to us. Please feel free to call or schedule a visit if you have any questions about your oral health. To learn more visit www.ada.org.
