North Country Health Nuggets Feb. 16

Week 3 of our Dental Health Series:  Protect your teeth and gums.  Tobacco hurts more than just your lungs.

Tobacco harms every part of the mouth; teeth, gums, bone, and soft tissues.  Whether it is cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes (vaping), or smokeless tobacco (chew, dip, or snuff), the chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow, weaken the immune response, and expose oral tissues to cancer-causing substances.

Tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer.  Combining tobacco and alcohol greatly increases this risk.  Combining tobacco and alcohol greatly increases this risk.  This is another important reason to schedule dental appointments as recommended.  Dentists routinely perform oral cancer screenings, which are quick and painless.

Effects on the Teeth

The most common direct effect on teeth is staining and discoloration. Nicotine and tar penetrate the enamel, turning teeth yellow to brown.  These stains usually cannot be removed with regular brushing.

Tooth decay (cavities) is also more common.  Tobacco decreases saliva flow, causing dry mouth. Healthy saliva helps neutralize acids and protect enamel.  Smokeless tobacco often contains sugar, which feeds decay-causing bacteria and leads to a higher rate of root cavities near the gumline.

Gum recession exposes the tooth root, which has no enamel protection.  This can cause tooth wear and increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Effects on the Gums (Periodontal Disease)

Using tobacco whether smoking, vaping, or chewing greatly increases the risk of gum disease (periodontitis). This infection damages the tissues and bone supporting the teeth and is caused by plaque buildup.

Common signs include:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Tender, red, or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath

Gum disease can lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.  Tobacco users are 2–6 times more likely to develop periodontal disease.

Effects of Chewing Tobacco

Chewing tobacco (dip or snuff) holds chemicals directly against the tissues for long periods.  This can cause gingivitis and dangerous changes to the lining of the mouth.

Possible findings include:

• Gum recession where the tobacco is placed
• Thickened, wrinkled tissue
• White patches (leukoplakia)

If these changes last longer than two weeks, a dentist should evaluate them.  These may be early signs of oral cancer.

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Seek a dental evaluation if you notice:

• A sore that does not heal within 2 weeks
• White or red patches
• A lump or rough spot in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue
• Persistent mouth or ear pain

These changes can occur on the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, lips, or throat.

Benefits of Quitting

The good news is that the mouth begins to recover quickly after quitting tobacco.

Within weeks:

• Improved circulation to the gums
• Less plaque buildup

Within months:

• Slower progression of gum disease
• Improved breath
• Return of taste

Long-term:

• Lower risk of tooth loss
• Significantly reduced risk of oral cancer
  (Although it never fully returns to the risk level of a non-user.)

Quitting tobacco is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your oral and overall health.

(Adapted from American Dental Association – MouthHealthy)

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)