We all want the brightest and whitest smile, but there are some habits that make this hard to achieve. The struggle to have nice teeth and vibrant gums is daunting but adding in certain lifestyle choices can make it even more difficult. For tobacco users, oral health can be hard to maintain due to the impact tobacco has on the mouth. Smoking and chewing tobacco both have negative effects that are cosmetic and medical.
The Harm of Tobacco
There are a number of issues that a person faces when they choose to use tobacco that have both short-term and long-term consequences. Aside from the cosmetic factor, its use directly contributes to poor oral health overall. The issues can be as simple as bad breath or a stain on your teeth or can be as major as oral cancer. Some of the consequences of tobacco use include:
• Discoloration of teeth
• Poor dental hygiene
• Bad breath
• Inflammation in various areas of the mouth
• Issues with bones in the mouth
• Increased chance of developing oral cancer or other oral diseases
Short-Term Effects
Though tobacco use can lead to serious health problems, the most serious of these health concerns are not typically experienced right away. The short-term effects are generally more cosmetic in nature and involve changes with the teeth and mouth. The appearance of the teeth, sensitivity, and bad breath are the usual initial changes a tobacco user may notice. Even though these changes may seem minor, they can be indicative of serious underlying issues.
Long-term Effects
Prolonged use of tobacco often leads to more serious health problems that can potentially be life-threatening. One common disease that develops is gum disease, in addition to various types of cancers. Long time users have also faced loss of jaw bone, swelling of various parts of the mouth, and permanent tooth loss.
Prevention
The effects of tobacco use can be severe, but they can be prevented. Quite often, those who have quit smoking and chewing tobacco have as great of a chance of preventing the occurrence of these ailments as someone who has not used tobacco. Patience and consistency with quitting can help lead to better oral health and a better quality of life.
If you are a frequent tobacco user it is especially important that you have frequent dental check ups to know about the condition of your oral health. Visit Your Dental Office for your dental needs, contact us today to book an appointment.