Smoking can do serious damage to teeth and gums Published Nov. 14, 2012 375th Dental Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, a pipe, or dip tobacco, you are more likely to have gum disease than those who do not use tobacco products. According to studies published in the Journal of Periodontology, smoking may be responsible for more than half of the cases of gum disease among adults in the U.S., and that current smokers are about four times more likely than people who have never smoked to have advanced gum disease. Many chemicals found in tobacco, such as nicotine and tar, may have harmful effects on the tissues surrounding the teeth. As a result tobacco users may be more likely to have harmful plaque and tartar form on their teeth, have deeper pockets between the teeth and gums, and lose more of the bone and tissue that support the teeth. Loss of bone and tissue may eventually lead to pain, loosened teeth and even tooth loss. Research shows that smokers lose more teeth than nonsmokers. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless. If you're a smokeless tobacco user, do not assume that you are out of harm's way. In fact, you are also at a greater risk of having more severe and faster progressing gum disease, as well as receding gums. This recession of the gums will often lead to exposure of the tooth roots which can, in turn, lead to teeth that are more likely to develop root cavities and cold and touch sensitivities. There is also strong evidence that the chances of developing mouth and throat cancer increases with smokeless tobacco exposure. For long-time users the risk is much greater, making the use of smokeless tobacco among young people a great concern. Finally, for tobacco users, the good news is that studies have shown that oral health will begin to improve once you quit. This should provide a strong incentive to quit sooner than later. If you are a tobacco user remember the many oral problems that occur with tobacco use. These include oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, tooth loss, facial wrinkling, loss of taste and smell, mouth sores, and gum disease. Also be aware that gum disease is an infection that is also linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, respiratory disease and premature babies. Kicking the habit Millions of Americans quit the addictive habit of tobacco use every year. The benefits of quitting include reducing the chances of developing cancer, respiratory, heart and periodontal disease. To begin a tobacco-cessation program, ask your dentist, physician or HAWC for help. Other tips to try include: · Keeping oral substitutes handy such as carrots, apples, and sugarless gum. · Taking deep relaxing breaths. · Spending time in places where smoking is prohibited. · Talking to a friend for support. · Changing your daily routine and staying busy. · Going for a walk. Kicking the habit is a huge commitment, but one that will give you a lifetime of results.