Smoking is a habit, a bad habit. It is a bad habit because you know that smoking can make you sick, but you still are not able to quit. But before smoking makes you so sick you can die, it can cause other problems, especially in your mouth. Sucking tobacco through your teeth can cause tooth stains, decay, and periodontitis. Are you a smoker? If so, below are some smoking facts that you should know.
Smoking FAQs
Fact #1: Any tobacco products including chew, snuff, cigars, and cigarettes can cause oral health issues and cancer.
Fact #2: Some oral health problems include bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Fact #3: Over 43, 000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral cancer or throat cancer.
Fact #4: Oral cancer kills roughly one person every hour of every day.
Fact #5: Oral cancer is characterized by sores in your mouth that may bleed and do not heal.
Fact #6: Smokers are nearly four times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
Fact #7: Smoking interferes with the cell function of your gum tissue thereby making smokers more susceptible to infections such as periodontal disease.
Fact #8: Smoking impairs blood flow–which is crucial to the health of your gums–to the gum tissue which slows healing.
Fact #9: Periodontal disease is the major reason for tooth loss.
Fact #10: Advanced periodontal disease, periodontitis, causes deterioration of the jawbone leading to tooth loss.
Fact #11: Smokers are also at risk for tooth loss due to excessive decay caused by bacterial plaque.
Fact #12: Other oral health issues caused by smoking include stained teeth and tongue, bad breath, and an impaired sense of taste and smell.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.