Whenever you light a cigarette, you are burning your oral and overall health with it as well.

Smoking kills, as we have heard. Even though people know the hazards of smoking tobacco, they are adamant about denying all the norms and destroying their health for some fun. Smoking has become highly prevalent in young people, especially teens who strive to impress their friends. However, the detrimental effects of the hazardous components of smoking tobacco get quickly visible on oral health. From severe staining and discoloration to gum bleeding, it can lead to many oral problems, even oral cancer. Giving up on smoking and tobacco is possible and helps to lower the risk of oral problems and other health problems. If you are a chain smoker or not, it is crucial for you to regularly visit the dentist’s office to ensure optimum oral health.

Oral Problems Caused by Smoking Tobacco We all know that smoking instigates lung cancer and heart disease. Studies have shown that smoking can deteriorate oral health. Here are some top-of-the-list oral health problems caused by smoking tobacco:

*Gum diseases such as bleeding (periodontal problems) *Oral cancer *Smoker’s melanosis *Reduced ability of tissues to heal (dry socket) after tooth removal (extraction)  *White patches called smoker’s keratosis *Dental caries or tooth decay *Tooth mobility and tooth loss *Decreased taste and even smell *Bad breath (halitosis)

The most common problems are gum diseases and oral cancer in people who smoke. Here is a detailed insight on what you should be aware of- all the more reasons to quit smoking.

**Smoking Tobacco and Gum (Periodontal) Diseases ** Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is caused by an infection via smoking tobacco that leads to soft tissue and bone destruction. The gums and bones are responsible for holding your teeth in place, damage to them leads to tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss. One other theory related to this connection is that smoking increases the amount of bacteria and debris in the sticky layer of plaque that surrounds the teeth, initiating a series of dental and gum-related issues. If the gum disease is limited to the soft tissues, it is called gingivitis. However, if the bone gets involved, it is called periodontitis, in simple words- your worst nightmare.

If you feel any of the following symptoms, rush to the dentist, and it is time to quit smoking.  *Red, puffed up or swollen, painful, and bleeding gums *Infection in gums with pus *Gum recession- the gums start to pull away from the teeth *Bad breath and taste *Mobile teeth  *Teeth starting to appear with bigger spaces

Treatment for gum disease includes quitting smoking, dental cleaning (scaling and planing,) and specific dental treatments as suggested by the dentist. 

Smoking Tobacco and Oral Cancer Cancer of the mouth or oral cancer involves the hard and soft tissues, symptoms aggravated by smoking. The most common sites are the lateral sides of the tongue, lips, and floor of the mouth. If you are a smoker, look out for the following symptoms and see your dentist or doctor immediately if you notice any:

*Recurrent and persistent ulcers in your mouth or on your lip *Red or white patches in your mouth *Swelling and recurrent infections *Dental prosthesis like dentures that lose their stability

Early diagnosis is key in treating oral cancer successfully because once it spreads, the complications increase. The first step is to quit smoking and then go for the treatment for oral cancer that includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

**Prevention and Treatment for Oral Health Problems ** Smoker or not, everyone should practice good oral hygiene habits with regular visits to the dentist to keep oral health problems and diseases at bay. However, smoking tobacco puts you at greater risk and compromises your health. Here are a few tips for you to live a healthy life.

*If you are a smoker, you have to quit smoking- the very instant. You can take your dentist’s help and seek professional help. *If it is difficult to quit smoking instantly, try decreasing the number of cigarettes per day.  *Brush twice daily, with the right technique. Go to the dentist and learn more about it.  *For gaps in between your teeth, use dental floss and interdental brushes. *Use mouthwash. *Ensure that you do not consume sugary foods or fizzy drinks that can further deteriorate your oral health. *Keep your mouth hydrated. Dry mouth can cause many oral problems and is a significant indication of oral cancer.  *If you are into alcohol or any other smokeless tobacco, you need to get rid of them forever.  *It is crucial to pay your dentist a visit twice a year because they can assess your oral health in the best way. Remember, early diagnosis is crucial to a successful treatment. 

Time to Get Some Help If you are unmotivated, then don’t be. It is never too late to quit. In this advanced era, there are many ways to get help and improve your health. Smoking tobacco only provides short-term fun with long-term, and at times, never-ending adverse effects. Keep a check on your oral health and overall health, with regular medical and dental check-ups. Keep in mind; it is your body that will stay with you forever, take care of it.