Oral Effects of Tobacco Use

The Impact of Tobacco Use on Oral Health

All of the major forms of tobacco used in the U.S. have oral health consequences. Cigarette smoking can lead to a variety of adverse oral effects, including gingival recession, impaired healing following periodontal therapy or oral surgery, oral cancer, mucosal lesions (e.g., oral leukoplakia, nicotine stomatitis), periodontal disease, and tooth staining. Use of smokeless tobacco is associated with increased risks of oral cancer and oral mucosal lesions (e.g., oral leukoplakia). Smokeless tobacco use also causes oral conditions such as gingival keratosis, tooth discoloration, halitosis, enamel erosion, gingival recession, alveolar bone damage, periodontal disease, coronal or root-surface dental caries due to sugars added to the product, and tooth loss.

Due to the oral effects of smoking  on the healing process from oral surgery it’s clear that avoiding smoking is beneficial to oral health and overall a healthier lifestyle.
We offer support for our patients willingness to quit. If you have any suggestions for how you quit smoking please blog them.