Our Saint Louis dentists are here to help you make the healthiest decisions possible for your smile. And, as you have probably guessed, one of the most impactful things that you can do is to eliminate tobacco products from your daily routine…
Tobacco Use
Tobacco products of all kinds negatively affect your smile; whether you are chewing, smoking cigarettes, or puffing cigars, you are putting your smile at risk. As you would imagine, the more frequently you use tobacco products, the greater your chance of developing visible dental problems as well as health issues.
Aesthetic Issues
The number one complain that we hear from our patients is that tobacco discolors dental enamel. You may notice that your teeth become stained over time, and your tongue can also take on a dark/discolored appearance. Some people also develop unsightly red or white mouth sores.
Health Concerns
Perhaps most importantly, tobacco products also increase your risk of developing oral cancers. Cigarettes, for example, contain over twenty carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals.
Patients who regularly use tobacco also suffer from increased rates of cavity development, periodontal disease, halitosis, and dental implant failure. Smoking negatively affects your body’s circulatory system, and makes it harder for minor oral health issues to heal in a timely manner.
As you can see, tobacco products contribute to a number of aesthetic and functional dental issues. The sooner that you are able to stop using tobacco products, the better for your smile—we promise! Please feel free to reach out to our St Louis dentists if you have additional questions or you’d like to schedule a consultation.