It’s no secret that smoking tobacco products is one of the most dangerous things you could expose your body to. It can contribute to a wide variety of cancers, and can lead to destructive periodontal disease that destroys your periodontal and oral structures. Despite that knowledge, many people still find it extremely difficult to quit, and many still don’t believe they should. At our Encinitas/San Diego periodontal office, our goal is to help you preserve your oral, periodontal, and overall health. That’s why we offer personalized smoking cessation assistance as well as specialized periodontal treatment and care.
Why You Should Quit
- The many different health risks associated with smoking stem from the hundreds of harmful chemicals found in the tobacco itself, as well as the hundred more that are produced when it’s burned. A disturbing percentage of those substances are carcinogens, or chemicals that are known to contribute to cancer formation.
- Harmful chemicals can directly lead to diseases, like cancer, but they can also lead to more indirect chronic health issues in several different ways. For example, the exposure to the chemicals can interfere with the normal function of your cells, including their natural defense mechanisms and their ability to heal.
- Many of the effects of smoking can lead directly to or exacerbate your risks of developing gum disease. As your gum tissues react and pull away from your teeth, harmful bacteria can settle into the pockets and infect your gums. Because your periodontal tissues can’t heal or fight the bacteria as effectively, you’ll be more likely to develop severe gum disease, and faster.
- One of the more severe consequences of gum disease is the loss of one or more teeth, and smoking makes this much more likely to occur. On top of that, continuing to smoke can interfere with the success of any tooth replacement you choose. For example, dental implants – the most comprehensive tooth replacement option – are inserted into your jawbone, which fuses to their surfaces. Smoking makes the implant placement process more difficult, and the healing process much more complicated.
Get Help to Stop Smoking
Smoking and chewing tobacco are among the most frequent and guaranteed factors in gum disease development. For more information on how to stop, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.