There’s no denying that smoking tobacco can have negative implications for your health. Smoking has been known to cause fatal diseases and even lung cancer, having caused almost 90% of lung cancer cases in Canada.

Any reputable Toronto dental clinic will inform their patients that smoking also poses significant risks to your oral health and can have adverse effects on the appearance and health of your mouth and gums.

According to research, advice from health professionals such as your go-to Toronto dental clinic can influence the decisions of patients to avert their use of tobacco. Today we’ll briefly discuss some of the ways smoking tobacco negatively affects your oral health.

What are the side effects?

Many oral conditions are the result of extended tobacco use. Smoking tobacco damages gum tissue in the mouth and exposes the roots of your teeth. Frequency and duration play a role in determining the maturation of such conditions. Common results are oral lesions (leukoplakia) which are categorized based on character and strength of association with tobacco use.

What conditions are the result of tobacco use?

Oral cancers, throat cancers, and leukoplakia are the two leading conditions that are the result of long-term tobacco use. Other side effects include nicotine addiction, decreased sense of smell and taste, periodontitis (tooth decay), bad breath, heart disease, stroke, stained teeth, increased tartar and plaque, premature aging, more sensitivity to hot and cold, delayed healing, increased heart-rate, and smoker’s cough.

How do I stop smoking?

If you’re looking to quit smoking, consult your doctor and dentist at a Toronto dental clinic to learn how to develop a strategy on how to quit. If you’re concerned about your oral health, consider having healthcare professionals conduct a screening for early signs of oral cancers and periodontal disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk factor for developing what could end up being deadly conditions like cancer or leukoplakia.