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World No Tobacco Day

May 2015

FlossingTo celebrate World No Tobacco Day on May 31, let's talk a bit about a touchy subject - smoking.

Cigarettes have long been a health concern, and they're usually most associated with cancer and respiratory problems. But how does smoking affect your oral health? Do smokers need to see the dentist more often?

Smoking can cause massive damage to your teeth and mouth, and not just for the oral cancer risks. The low-risk effects include brown or blackish stain of the teeth or dental implants, halitosis (bad breath), impaired taste and smoker's melanosis, which results in brown spots on the gums. In some cases, bacteria and debris can collect on small bumps on the tongue, resulting in a black tongue.

The much more hazardous effects include

Smoking also hinders the healing process of our gums and jawbone, and research shows that those who quit smoking saw increased healing of the mouth within one to eight weeks. That's all it takes!

E-cigarettes aren't exempt either. They seem to be marketed as a trendy, safer alternative to smoking, but they have quite harmful effects as well. Research shows that despite being advertised as harm-reducing, e-cigarettes consumers often acquire higher levels of chemical toxins.

The nicotine in these e-cigarettes can still cause

World No Tobacco Day doesn't just have to be the 31st. Remember, stopping or reducing smoking can do wonders for your dental health and overall health.

These risks need to be taken seriously. Make sure to see the dentist twice a year for routine check-ups, not just for cleanings, but also to monitor our oral health. The State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM can help you save on dental care for a low monthly fee. Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or click here to search for a provider near you, schedule your appointment and save.

Sources:
http://www.quit.org.au/about/frequently-asked-questions/how-does-smoking-affect-my-body/mouth-eyes-nose

http://www.asdablog.com/how-e-cigarettes-and-hookah-pens-impact-our-oral-health