Oral Effects of Tobacco Use

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal (gum) disease.  Research shows that smokers lose more teeth than nonsmokers and they also take a longer time to heal from gum disease than nonsmokers.  The following dental problems also occur in tobacco users:  oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, tooth loss, bone loss, loss of taste, lowered healing response to surgical procedures including implants, gum recession, mouth sores and facial wrinkling.  The reasons to quit are simple:  you will lower your risk of  many dental complications as well as reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer.  If you have considered quitting smoking and would like assistance, please ask your medical doctor or dentist about how we can guide you through the process.  We are here to help!

-Authored by Robin Hogan, DDS and Julie Collins, RDH