Not only does smoking leave decidedly unattractive brown stains and sticky tar deposits on your teeth or dentures, but this habit contributes to halitosis (bad breath). It is also not uncommon to see red inflammation on the palate (roof of the mouth) from the high temperatures generated by cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking.

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Smoking is a major risk factor in periodontal (gum) disease. As shown by 20 years of research, smokers are two to three times more likely to develop periodontitis (bone loss). Tooth loss is much more prevalent in smokers than in non-smokers. Studies have also shown a higher rate of dental implant failures among those patients who smoke.

You’ve probably heard this before, but smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer. Even second-hand smoke poses a danger, especially for children. When children breathe in smoke, it can affect the development and eruption of their permanent teeth.

Good news
The good news is that ‘kicking the habit’ greatly reduces the risk of developing oral cancer. After 10 years of cessation, the risk is similar to that of a non-smoker. There are a number of ways to stop smoking without experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms. These include the nicotine patch, nicotine gum and nicotine spray or inhaler.

Snuff - definitely to be sneezed at!
Smokeless tobacco comes in two forms: chewing tobacco, which is a leaf tobacco, and snuff, which is finely ground tobacco. Snuff can be chewed, placed against the gums, or inhaled through the nostrils.

Many people do not realise that snuff can be just as harmful as other types of tobacco. It can cause cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums and throat. After only a few weeks of dipping or using snuff, you will probably begin to feel the effects. Your lips and gums may sting, crack, wrinkle, bleed and develop sores and white patches. It is these sores that can become cancerous.

Chewing tobacco and snuff can also cause bad breath, tooth loss and a decreased sense of taste and smell. These products also stain your teeth and cause your mouth to water excessively - leading to other unsociable habits, such as spewing.

Like cigarettes, snuff contains nicotine which is a highly addictive drug. You may feel relaxed while chewing the snuff, but nicotine actually increases your heart rate and blood pressure just as cigarette smoking does. After a short while, you will probably feel a need to use it every 20 to 30 minutes to maintain the nicotine level in your blood.

This frequent use is a sign of addiction to nicotine. As with cigarette smoking, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit the habit. These may include dizziness, shakiness and irritability. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but fortunately they usually do not last for long.

Did you know that:

• Smokeless tobacco (chew) and cigarettes are equally addictive.
• Smokeless tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes.
• An average size dip in your mouth for 30 minutes provides as much nicotine as smoking four cigarettes.

The temporary nicotine ‘high’ offered by any form of tobacco is not worth the inevitable foul effects in your mouth! Mouth problems that may seem minor can soon become quite serious. For example, tooth decay may begin from the high sugar content in dip, while enamel surfaces wear down. Gums may pull away from the teeth where the tobacco is commonly placed and tooth loss may also occur.

When health hazards become extremely serious, white patches and red sores may be found in the mouth on the gum and/or cheek, or where tobacco contact is most prevalent. These patches, which may become cancerous over time, are called leukoplakia, and are found most often amongst chewing tobacco users. Mouth cancer is extremely difficult to cure and, because it spreads rapidly through the body, it is essential to take precautions immediately.

There are no two ways about it – a fresh, healthy and attractive mouth (and smile) is only possible the tobacco-free way!

Brought to you by the South African Dental Association (SADA) in the interests of healthy teeth, a healthy mouth and a healthy smile. Contact: SADA on 011 484 5288 or Share-Call 0860 110 725 or email nstanley.co.za.

South African Dental Association (SADA)
 

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