Smoking: A Real Drag on Your Teeth

When it comes to bad habits, few are worse than smoking and using tobacco products. The negative effects of tobacco have been well documented for years, yet many people still continue to use products containing this dangerous drug. Smokers and tobacco users are more vulnerable to developing a wide range of diseases than those who do not smoke or use tobacco. Many people tend to only associate lunch cancer with smoking, but the truth is that there are many other concerns that go along with this bad habit.

There are specific personal issues and oral health concerns directly related to the use of tobacco products. Personal issues include foul breath and dingy, stained teeth. Like it or not, job promotions can be won or lost on how well you take care of yourself. Professionals in many different occupations will admit that choosing qualified candidates often comes down to how well a person presents him/herself. Someone who appears to take care of his/her teeth, weight, and health are often considered a better choice and less risk than those who do not. If your teeth are stained and your breath is off-putting, it is more likely that you will get passed on a promotion – as well as passed on a date.

As far as your health goes, oral health concerns that can have detrimental consequences include periodontal disease and oral cancer. Both of these conditions can cause the complete destruction of your mouth, as well as put your entire health at risk.

Periodontal disease is the severe infection of the gums that surround and support the teeth. This disease is irreversible, and will cause the teeth to fall out unless extensive (and expensive) intervention is given. Periodontal disease is linked to smoking and tobacco use because tobacco inhibits the gums’ immunity to fight off infection.

Oral cancer is also caused by the compromised immunity inside the mouth. Oral cancer in incredibly dangerous because cancer cells do not isolate themselves. Cancer can easily travel throughout the body, easily carrying cancer cells from the mouth to other major organs of the entire body.

At Crabapple Dental, our first commitment is to your oral health. Please contact our practice to learn how you can overcome tobacco damage to your smile and oral health. We are here to help you break the habit and regain your health.