Smoking
Smoking is detrimental to oral health and is among the top factors causing oral cancer. The following information outlines negative effects that smoking has on overall oral health.
FAQs
Does smoking increase my risk
for oral
cancer?
Yes. Smokers have a much greater risk of
developing oral cancer than nonsmokers.
What effects does
smoking have on oral health?
In addition to the risk of oral cancer, smokers are likely to have more
tartar on their teeth and more gum disease than nonsmokers. Smoking also
causes bad breath and stained teeth and can delay healing of oral
surgeries.
What are the benefits of choosing not to smoke
or to quit smoking?
Some of the benefits
include:
- Less risk of developing oral and lung cancer and heart disease.
- Improved sense of taste and smell.
- Less stress on heart and blood pressure.
- Saving money.
What are some ways that I can quit
smoking?
Some of the effective ways to quit smoking
include:
- Joining a smoking cessation program.
- Chewing sugarless gum to keep your mouth occupied.
- Exercising.
- Using self-help books, pamphlets, video tapes, etc.
- Gaining the support of your family, friends, dentist and physician.
Resources
American
Lung Association: Stop Smoking
CDC’s Tobacco
Information and Prevention Sources
QuitNet
Tobacco.org
