Do you smoke or use other tobacco products? Do you vape? If so, this could not only cause bad breath and stained teeth, but lead to periodontal disease and even tooth loss. Not to mention the increased cavity risk! In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the importance of quitting tobacco use.
Tobacco and Gum Disease
When we smoke or use other tobacco products, this could worsen periodontal disease, increasing the risk of serious complications, such as periodontitis. As the disease worsens, this could lead to serious recession that increases the risk of tooth decay and infection, and also the risk of eventual tooth loss. The advanced stage is also linked to bleeding and could make your teeth appear long or uneven. Which is why we urge you to quit, especially if you have gum disease, as this helps protect your smile from worsening symptoms and the risk of missing teeth.
The Oral Cancer Link
Tobacco products contain multiple carcinogens, or ingredients that are linked to an increased cancer risk. You could be more susceptible to issues like oral, mouth, and throat and lung cancer, as well as emphysema and other severe and life-threatening health concerns. Harmful chemicals are released when you smoke or chew smokeless tobacco, or even vape! Which impacts the health, function, and beauty of your smile, and could place your life in danger. If you want to quit but don’t know where to stop, then please reach out to our team right away. We can offer tips and talk about options to help quit tobacco use, so you can improve your oral and overall health. Of course, this also helps your teeth stay bright and fights halitosis too!
Make a Resolution
You should make a resolution to quit, and you could even start now, why wait for the first of January? You should also consider an appointment to talk about quitting options and to see if you have issues like periodontal disease that need treatment. In addition to technologies like dental lasers to trim away diseased tissues and help your smile heal, we could improve the beauty of your smile with our noninvasive gum grafts, and talk about holistic treatments to manage the disease and keep your smile strong. A visit now is also a chance to use your remaining 2023 dental insurance benefits or health savings funds before they expire at the end of the month!
Schedule an Exam with Your San Diego, CA, Periodontist!
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and lower your cavity risk by avoiding cigarettes and other similar products. Call Dr. Kania in Encinitas, CA today to find out more about putting a stop to your smoking habit at 760-642-0711.