If you are one of the millions of people who still smoke you probably know the dangers smoking poses to your overall health, but did you know that your pack a day habit could also be causing serious problems for your oral health as well?
While smoking is a tough habit to break, it is one to think about breaking. People who smoke cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and people who chew understand the overall health problems that come with the habit. However, one has to wonder if they know what tobacco does to teeth and gums.
Tobacco, Teeth, and Gums
Xceptional Dental in San Diego explains that even people who have just started smoking or chewing tobacco will notice stained teeth weeks after lighting up. Those brown and yellow stains are tough to get rid of and require additional professional teeth cleanings to keep them white.
Smoking is also notorious for gum disease. The number one reason people lose their teeth is gum disease. Smoking and gum disease go hand in hand.
The Dangers of Chewing Tobacco
According to Dr. Janette Larsen, just like cigarettes, chewing leads to nicotine addiction, but it is far worse than that. If you chew tobacco, you are increasing your risk of mouth cancer.
If you are planning to have a child keep in mind that chewing, causes low weight birth and premature births. Chewing also increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Smokeless Tobacco is Just as Bad
While some people believe that smokeless tobacco is safer than cigarettes that is simply not true. For example, chewing tobacco contains more chemicals including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and polonium-210, which is a radioactive chemical.
Harmful metals in smokeless products include mercury, nickel, lead, cobalt, cadium, arsenic beryllium, and chromium.
Stop the Dangers Today
If you would like to learn more about the dangers of tobacco and teeth and gums, schedule an appointment with Xceptional Dental.
Dr. Larsen understands the dangers of tobacco and what it can do to your teeth and gums and the rest of your body.
Call for a dental checkup in San Diego today.