According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 15 percent of the entire US population or about 36 million people smoke.
The numbers declined over the years, but admittedly, those who are at risk still comprise a large number of people which is quite alarming.
Tobacco smoking hurts your teeth in many ways:
- Discoloration. The chemicals found in cigarettes cling to the enamel of your teeth causing discolorations or stains.
- Bad Breath. Particles of tobacco cling to the mouth a long time after you finish smoking. Bacteria also thrive on the smoker’s mouth, and no amount of gargling or brushing can rid you of the bad breath because the smell originates from the oral sores, decay, and possible gum disease affecting your mouth.
- Gum Disease. Your mouth loses its ability to fight off bacterial infection if you are smoking. Eventually, the infection will find its way to your gums. Untreated gum disease may cause periodontitis, where smokers may find themselves with gums, bone, and tissues holding the teeth, are pulling away from it.
- Delayed Healing. Smoking delays the body’s ability to recover from dental surgeries and procedures.
- Oral Cancer. The American Cancer Society also reported that 90 percent of those with mouth, lips, tongue, and throat cancers are smokers and they are six times more likely to develop these cancers compared to those who don’t smoke.
Oral cancer sufferers experience difficulty in chewing or swallowing, ear pain, numbness on the jaw and may have either a red or white patch in their mouth.
How Can you Quit Smoking?
- Your dentist in Newport Beach will either recommend nicotine gum and patches to ease your nicotine cravings.
- Herbal remedies like oats, ginger, cayenne pepper, radish, and licorice stick can also help.
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