Discover the many reasons why chewing tobacco is so bad for both your oral and general health.
It might seem obvious, but chewing tobacco can negatively impact your health. It leaves destruction in its wake and it can be difficult for people’s smiles to bounce back after this terrible habit. Find out why you should stay away from chewing tobacco and how your Romeo dentist Dr. Michael DeLaura can help.
How Chewing Tobacco Affects Your Oral Health
Just because chewing tobacco is smokeless doesn’t make it any less harmless for your mouth. Those who chew tobacco are more likely to deal with these nasty dental issues:
- Severe discolorations
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- A decreased sense of smell and taste
- Increased chance of cavities and gum disease
- Increased risk of oral cancer
In fact, chewing tobacco contains about 28 cancer-causing ingredients, which can lead to cancer of the lips, tongue, esophagus or mouth. Smokeless tobacco can also cause serious gum irritation and lead to gum disease, which can also cause complications such as bone and tooth loss.
How to Maintain Good Oral Health
It might seem obvious, but the best thing you can do to protect your mouth from cancer and other severe dental problems is to ditch your tobacco habit right away. We understand that this can be a major challenge and your Romeo dentist is here to help. Ask us about ways other people have successfully quit tobacco and kept their smiles healthy.
Also, those who’ve used chewing tobacco may need to go to the dentist more often for cleanings and exams. Luckily, the majority of cancerous lesions can be easily detected through an oral exam alone. Find out how often you need to go to the dentist to keep your smile healthy.
Whether you want to quit tobacco products or you are dealing with the after effects of this habit, your Romeo dentist is here to help. DeLaura Dental prides itself on giving you the best smile you can possibly have.
