While tobacco use in the United States has been trending downward since the 1960s, use among young adults and children is on the rise again. As e-cigarettes become more easily accessible and appealing to younger adults, the use of tobacco products among individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 continues to increase.
While newer e-cigarette products can help individuals avoid the lingering smell of smoke, these tobacco products still have an incredibly detrimental effect on your oral health. If you have used tobacco in the past or are an active smoker, keep reading to learn more about how it may be harming your oral health.
Understanding Tobacco
For over 12,000 years, people across the globe have consumed tobacco products. This crop was discovered by the Mesoamerican people and was brought to Europe in the late 1400s. Tobacco use reached its peak in the mid-1900s before it became less popular among adults due to its adverse health effects, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
While tobacco use was once falling, it has recently become more popular, especially among teenagers, as e-cigarette devices have become more easily accessible. But, tobacco products continue to be a threat to the health of everyone who uses them. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco products are responsible for the death of 8 million people each year.
But what about these products makes them so bad for you? Tobacco directly damages your airway and the air sacs in your lungs. This damage occurs as tobacco products expose your tissues to toxic chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and at least 60 known harmful carcinogens.
The damage caused by tobacco isn’t exclusive to your lungs and airway, though. Tobacco products can also damage your skin, lead to fertility problems, delay wound healing, and increase your risk of stroke. Even using these products once can have detrimental and long-term effects on your health.
How Do Tobacco Products Impact Your Oral Health?
Because tobacco products are consumed orally, your teeth, gums, and the tissue in your mouth are directly affected by your use. But how exactly does it impact your oral health? One of the first changes people notice after using tobacco products is the impact on the color of your teeth. The tar in cigarettes stains your teeth, turning them yellow or brown.
However, the impact is much more significant than the appearance of your teeth. Individuals who use tobacco products are more likely to experience tooth decay and cavities. One additional problem smokers may face is an increased risk of tartar development. This hardened plaque is impossible to remove without dental intervention.
Tobacco can also irritate your gums, leading to increased bleeding while brushing and flossing. Smokers are also at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, which can result in tooth loss, tissue damage, and bone loss. In its most advanced stages, periodontal disease is irreversible, making early treatment essential.
Finally, many people who use tobacco find themselves experiencing chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. No matter what tobacco product you use, it has an incredibly negative effect on your oral health, making it essential that you limit or discontinue your use as soon as possible.
How to Protect Your Teeth While Consuming Tobacco
If you are still consuming tobacco, there are a few things you must do to protect your teeth and gums from harmful ailments. The most important thing you can do to protect your teeth is brush and floss every day. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, or more frequently if you’re experiencing halitosis, and floss at least once daily.
One other oral hygiene step you should take is to clean your tongue when brushing. Much of the bacteria responsible for bad breath is found on your tongue, so cleaning it regularly should help you manage this problem. While brushing is a great way to keep it clean, you may want to consider investing in a tongue scraper to address larger debris.
Finally, smokers should also remember to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, your dental team can address plaque and tartar buildup, which can irritate your gums, leading to chronic bad breath. They may also recommend more in-depth cleanings and fluoride treatments to address tooth decay.
Tips for Quitting Tobacco Use
Discontinuing the use of tobacco can be incredibly difficult, as the nicotine in tobacco products is very addictive. If you want to quit smoking, there are a few great ways to begin this process, including:
- Use nicotine replacement products, like patches and gum.
- Attempt to limit your exposure to anxiety-inducing events.
- Keep mints or gum on hand.
- Connect with support groups, friends, and family for support.
- Go to the gym or for a run to keep your mind busy.
Helping You Achieve a Healthier Smile in Brigham City
Whether you’re trying to achieve a healthier smile after giving up tobacco products or you’ve dealt with tooth decay your entire life, our team at Jenson Dental is here to help you boost your oral health. For generations, we’ve provided patients across Brigham City with the most reliable dental care in the city. With our training and expertise, you can trust that our team will help you reach your smile goals in no time.
If you would like to learn more about the services we offer or are interested in scheduling an appointment to discuss your oral health goals, don’t hesitate to contact us today for support.
