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Tobacco And Dentistry
- Chewing tobacco affects your dental health as well as the rest of your body. It is the most common cause of oral cancer.
- Chewing tobacco is very addictive because it contains higher levels of addictive nicotine than cigarettes and can be harder to quit than cigarettes.
- The grit in snuff eats away at gums, exposing tooth roots which are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and can be painful
- Tobacco can also irritate gum tissue, causing it to recede or pull away from the teeth. Once this gum tissue recedes, the roots of the teeth are exposed, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
- The most common sign of possible cancer in smokeless tobacco users is leukoplakia, a white scaly patch or lesion inside the mouth or lips, common among many chewing tobacco users.
- Red sores are also a warning sign of cancer.
- Other signs and symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning or a sore that will not heal; pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips; development of a lump, or a leathery, wrinkled or bumpy patch inside the mouth; color changes to oral soft tissues; difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue; or any change in the way your teeth fit together.
- Patients should see their dentist or physician immediately if such symptoms appear.
