When you smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products, you can develop bad breath, teeth stains, and serious periodontal issues, the kind that could cost you your smile. That’s not even mentioning the cancer risk! Which is why in today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the importance of avoiding tobacco products.
The Risks to Your Gums
When you smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products, this can increase the severity of gingivitis and gum disease, boosting the risk of developing periodontitis, the advanced stage of the disease linked to severe gum recession and even tooth loss. You risk the stability of your smile, and could develop negative changes to the appearance of your smile. But tobacco products also pose a major danger to your overall health too.
Cancer Dangers and More
Whether you smoke cigarettes or use other smokeless options, this still increases your risk of oral, throat, mouth, and lung cancer, as well as emphysema. Tobacco products contain multiple carcinogens, cancer causing ingredients that can leave your health threatened. For example, you can find acetone, which is found in nail polish removal, ammonia, a household cleaner, arsenic, the main ingredient in rat poison, and even carbon monoxide. You’re also exposed to formaldehyde, which is used in embalming fluid, tar, a radioactive ingredient known as polonium 210, and nicotine, which is very addictive and also found in insecticides. These are just a few examples of the ingredients found in tobacco products that can lead to cancer and other serious health issues.
Tips for Quitting
For some, cold turkey is the easiest option. Others prefer to use patches and gums designed to help curb nicotine cravings and make it easier to quit. We can talk to you about different options so you know what is available and can select the one that works best for you. Quitting is hard and you may find yourself smoking again, but don’t give up! Quitting these products is worth the struggle, your lungs start healing right away and the longer you quit, the less likely you are to be vulnerable to periodontitis and cancer. If you have any questions about how these products can harm your gum health and overall health, or if you want to discuss tips for quitting these products for good, then talk to our team today to learn more.
Talk to Dr. Kania About Avoiding Tobacco Products
By avoiding cigarettes and similar products, you can lower your cancer risk and also protect your gum health and smile stability. To learn more about staying healthy and keeping your smile whole, or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at our office in Encinitas, CA today at 760-642-0711.