While it’s common knowledge that smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, many don’t realize the speed and severity with which tobacco use can deteriorate oral health. Indeed, smoking accounts for about three-quarters of all cases of gum disease in adults. This risk isn’t exclusive to cigarette smokers; pipe, cigar, and even smokeless tobacco users face similar risks for gum disease and other health issues associated with tobacco.
Tobacco use triggers a multitude of potential oral health issues, such as:
- Oral cancer
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth loss
- Jawbone loss
- Receding gums
- Slowed healing after dental procedures
- Lower success rates for dental implants
- Mouth ulcers
- Diminished taste and smell
- Persistent bad breath
- Staining of teeth and tongue
For those interested in safeguarding their oral health, quitting tobacco is strongly advised. The Surgeon General endorses the following steps to quit tobacco effectively:
- Prepare yourself by setting a quit date and eliminating tobacco products from your environment
- Seek out support
- Adopt new coping strategies and habits
- Consider using medications as prescribed
- Be ready to handle relapse and challenging situations
For assistance in quitting, reach out to Trade Winds Dental. Our team can guide you through the quitting process, offering support and recommending various cessation methods tailored to your needs. Our commitment at Trade Winds Dental is to your oral health, and quitting smoking is a critical movement towards that goal.