How Tobacco Products Impact Gum Health

When you smoke cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco, this can increase the risk of multiple forms of cancer. But this also impacts your oral health, causing teeth stains and even a higher risk of advanced periodontal disease. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the importance of quitting tobacco products.

Tobacco and Gum Disease

When you smoke cigarettes or use other similar products, even vapes, this can irritate and inflame the gum tissues. If you do not have periodontal concerns, this could lead to gingivitis and a higher risk of periodontal disease, if you already have periodontal disease, this could increase the risk of periodontitis, the advanced stage that is linked to adult tooth loss and gum recession that makes teeth appear long and uneven. Your gums could also appear redder than normal, feel sore, and may also swell. Your gum health is crucial for keeping your smile whole, and factors like tobacco products can increase the risk of negative changes to the health and beauty of your smile, including gaps caused by tooth loss!

The Dangers of Cigarettes

Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products contain tons of harmful chemicals that can lead to serious issues with your smile. On the minor end of things, you could be vulnerable to teeth stains and halitosis. On the other end, you could be more likely to develop a number of severe concerns, such as lung, oral, and throat cancer, as well as emphysema. When you use these products, these chemicals are released and can lead to major oral health concerns. For example, did you know that cigarettes contain acetone, ammonia, and even arsenic? These are poisons and household cleaning agents! Carbon monoxide is present, as is formaldehyde (embalming fluid), tar, polonium 210 (literally a radioactive carcinogen), and the addictive agent nicotine.

Tips for Quitting

Our team can talk about tips for quitting, some people do best cold turkey, while others may benefit from patches and other items to reduce their usage gradually and wean them from the effects of nicotine. We can discuss these options and also offer care to help manage your periodontal issues, so that as your body heals from the effects of smoking, your smile improves too! If you have any questions about avoiding tobacco products and improving the health and beauty of your gums, then contact our team today to learn more. Now is a great time to make some positive changes to your health!

Talk to Dr. Kania About Protecting Your Oral Health

Our team wants to make sure you take steps to protect your gum health. To learn more about lowering the risk of periodontitis, or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at our office in Encinitas, CA today at 760-642-0711.