As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked
with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and
heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What
you may not know is tobacco users also are at increased risk
for periodontal disease.
In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant
risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Whether you smoke, dip or chew tobacco, you are more likely to have periodontal
disease - and to have it more severely - than those who do not use any form of
tobacco.
Smokers
As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have calculus form on your
teeth, have deeper pockets between your teeth and gums, and lose more of the
bone and tissue that support your teeth.
If the calculus is not removed during a professional cleaning, and it remains
below your gum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue
and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, periodontal
pockets form and fill with disease-causing bacteria. If left untreated, periodontal
disease will progress. The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper,
allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result,
the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without support,
your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out. Research shows that smokers
lose more teeth than nonsmokers.
Smokeless Tobacco Users
As a user of smokeless tobacco, your gums are more likely to recede, and you
have a greater chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in your
mouth. If your gums recede to the point where the tooth roots are exposed, your
teeth may become susceptible to root cavities or sensitive to cold and touch
(not to mention the fact that your chances of developing oral cancer increase
with smokeless tobacco use).
These problems, associated with tobacco use of any kind, are caused by the many
chemicals, such as nicotine and tar, in tobacco. These chemicals have harmful
effects on the periodontal tissues. They cause an increase in the accumulation
of plaque and calculus (or tartar) that can irritate your gums and lead to infection.
Following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in
tobacco can also slow down the healing process and make the treatment results
less predictable.
Research Shows...
Researchers also are finding that many of the following problems occur more often
in patients who use tobacco:
- Oral cancer
- Bad breath
- Stained teeth
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Loss of taste and smell
- Less success with periodontal treatment
- Less success with dental implants
- Gum recession
- Mouth sores
Why Quitting Makes Sense
Tobacco use is addictive, yet every year millions of Americans quit. The benefits
include reduced chances of developing cancer, lung disease and heart disease,
as well as less expensive health care. When you quit using tobacco, you also
reduce your chances of getting oral and gum disease. Gums that are free of disease
are essential to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Quitting takes commitment - and it's usually easier if you have help. To begin
a tobacco-cessation program, talk to your periodontist or physician. They are
prepared to help you.
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