Do you smoke cigarettes, use smokeless tobacco, or vape? If so, then you could be exposing your smile to a number of harmful chemicals, and increasing your risk of disease or cancer. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about why you should quit smoking!
The Link Between Tobacco and Gum Disease
When we use tobacco products, this can increase the beauty of gum inflammation. Which means your gingivitis or gum disease could reach a more advanced stage. Periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, actually destroys the tissues connecting your teeth and gums, which can in turn lead to loose or missing teeth. In fact, this stage is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Which is why avoiding tobacco products is so essential for keeping your smile whole and healthy. Smoking cigarettes and using other products could lead to halitosis too, as well as unsightly yellow stains on your teeth.
The Cancer Risk
Did you know that tobacco products contain carcinogens, ingredients that increase your risk of developing cancer? Which means when you smoke, you increase your risk of oral, throat, and mouth cancer, as well as emphysema and a host of other serious issues that could be life threatening. Oral cancer itself has a very high mortality rate, with half of those diagnosed succumbing to it within just five years. Don’t put your life on the line, talk to our team about strategies for putting this habit behind you, and for enjoying a bright and beautiful smile, one that stays whole and healthy for years to come.
When to See Our Team
We mentioned periodontal disease above, as there is often a link between tobacco products and the late stage of the disease. But you should also see us when you encounter changes to your gum tissues, such as soreness, redness, recession (which makes teeth appear longer) and bleeding when you brush and floss. We can often manage the issue in the early stages with holistic treatments, such as oxygen therapy or Supportive Periodontal Maintenance. For later stages, we can use lasers to remove diseased tissues, or perform a conservative gum graft alternative to correct receding tissues and restore your smile’s health and beauty.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat concerns with your gum health, or about quitting the use of tobacco products, then please reach out to our team today to learn more.
Speak With Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist About Protecting Your Smile
Our team wants to make sure you take action to protect your gum health. If you would like to find out more about quitting smoking, then please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.