Smokeless Tobacco—A Dangerous Alternative to Smoking

Although tobacco companies are required to place warning labels on their products, they are not required to provide a full list of the products’ ingredients on each package. Therefore, even people who are aware that tobacco use can be dangerous may not realize to what extent until they are faced with the consequences. Unfortunately, lack of information also misleads some consumers into believing that tobacco is safer if it is chewed rather than smoked. The truth, however, is that smokeless tobacco is equally dangerous (if not more so), and is a leading contributor to a number of potentially-fatal diseases, including oral cancer.

The Nature of Smokeless Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco comes in several forms, such as chewing tobacco and snuff, and is categorized by how the tobacco is packaged (either in long strands, or as finely-ground particles). Nevertheless, all smokeless tobacco is placed between the gums and teeth, allowing your oral tissues to absorb the nicotine and various other chemicals, including ammonia, acetone, tar, and much more.

The Consequences

The direct and prolonged contact with the tobacco and its harmful substances can increase your risk of periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other oral health problems. The chemical absorption into your tissues and bloodstream make smokeless tobacco a high-risk factor in other diseases, as well, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and more.

Break Your Dependency on Tobacco Use

As part of her dedication to helping patients maximize their oral health and systemic wellbeing, Dr. Kania is happy to offer assistance to all patients who wish to quit smoking or smokeless tobacco dependency. In addition to preserving your healthy periodontal tissues, breaking the habit will significantly reduce your risk of potentially-fatal conditions and improve your overall quality of life.

ABOUT YOUR SAN DIEGO LASER PERIODONTIST:

To learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, subscribe to this blog, and visit Dr. Kania for a consultation. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann M. Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. Dr. Kania also offers the Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) for minimally-invasive, scalpel-free gum grafting. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, contact her office today at (760) 642-0711.