Smoking and Oral Health

The use of tobacco products influences every system of the body, including your oral cavity.

Smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancers in the United States.
- Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of death among cancers, for both men and women.
Smoking aggravates and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis and is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease.
Smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
- Emphysema slowly diminishes a person's ability to breathe.
- Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the airways produce excess mucus, which forces the smoker to cough frequently.
Smoking is a leading risk factor for periodontal disease.
Tobacco use causes the most oral cancers.
- Increase use of tobacco products increases the risk of developing oral cancer.

(Wilkins, 2017, page 551- 552)

Did you know that smokers are most likely to have the following:

Severe periodontal disease
- Greater bone loss
- Recession
Severe cavities
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Loss of supporting bone structure, such as your upper and lower jaw and the tooth sockets that hold your teeth in place
- For example, your upper and lower jaw and tooth sockets to hold your teeth in place.
Weakened immune system
Increased tooth loss
Significant staining
Oral cancer
Impaired taste and smell