What does tobacco do to your teeth? Although tobacco use has long been linked to a host of health issues, its effects on oral health can often be overlooked. Unfortunately, however, tobacco usage, like cigarettes, has six times the risk of mouth, tongue, throat and lip cancer.
Early signs of oral cancer include the uncomfortable feeling that something is stuck in the throat, having trouble swallowing or chewing, numbness, swelling and even odd white spots in the soft tissues of the mouth, called smoker’s keratosis. It can also cause chronic mouth sores or pain. Other oral symptoms of tobacco include the following:
- Bad breath
- Stained or discoloration of teeth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Gum disease
Smoking is harmful to your oral health and greatly increases your chances of developing oral cancer and losing your teeth. If you are a smoker or using tobacco in any other form and are ready to quit the habit, you should book an appointment with your dentist for tips that will help you stop the habit once and for all.
Should you experience any signs of oral cancer in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, we urge you to consult with our Smile Team dentist, Dr. Abid Hidayat, promptly for a swift and effective diagnosis. The goal is to avoid further serious health issues later. The good news is that prevention and early detection can keep your smile healthy and safe. We invite you to give us a call at 416-546-5599 if you have questions or would like to schedule a visit!