The effects of smoking on your overall health are well known: a high risk of developing lung cancer, breathing problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)… The list goes on. But you may not know that smoking can lead to oral health problems and make it more difficult to treat those problems, too.
Vapes are an alternative product that work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavoring and other chemicals until it produces an aerosol that users breath in.
Many young people believe that vaping is much safer than using cigarettes because e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco. However, any substantial difference in safety is still up for debate as there aren’t many long-term studies. Young people who vape are also more likely to start smoking cigarettes in the future.
Smokeless tobacco (also known as snuff or chewing tobacco) is known to cause cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue and pancreas. Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco can lead to higher incidences of oral cancer. In fact, smokeless tobacco products, just like cigarettes, contain at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals.
A few of the other known health dangers include:
If you’re a smoker, here are some essential steps to safeguard your oral health:
Remember, quitting smoking not only benefits your oral health but also improves your overall well-being.
Last updated August 7, 2024
The oral health information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed dentist or other qualified health care professional for any questions concerning your oral health.