Preventative Dentistry » Smoking Cessation
Many studies have shown that smoking and using tobacco products has a detrimental effect on your teeth and gums. The problem is caused by the fact that tobacco affects the gum tissue cells, making smokers more prone to getting infections in the form of gum and periodontal diseases. Other negative effects of smoking are: bad breath, stained teeth, jawbone loss, shrinking gums, mouth sores, decreased senses of taste and smell, poor healing of mouth sores and hairy tongue.
In addition to this, most people don't know that smoking is the main cause of mouth cancer, with thousands of people dying every year from mouth cancer brought on by smoking.
As dental professionals it is important for us to tell you the risks for smoking and to help you to quit by giving you information and support. By cutting down and stopping smoking or using tobacco products your oral health will benefit very quickly and you will notice changes in your certain mouth. It is essential that you come into the practice for regular check-ups so we can help you maintain good oral health and give you advice and encouragement.
Giving Up Smoking
Mouth cancer has the same meaning as oral cancer - it is cancer that occurs in any part of the mouth;
- your lips
- your tongue
- your gums
- in the floor of your mouth or under your tongue
- inside your cheeks and lips
- in the roof of your mouth
- in the area behind your wisdom teeth
- In the tonsils & salivary glands
The earlier mouth cancer is diagnosed, the better your chances of recovery. Your dentist may spot mouth cancer in its early stages during a routine check-up, so it's important to visit your dentist regularly.
Nearly 5,400 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year in the UK. Most of these people are over the age of 50, and it affects more men than women.
Mouth Cancer Foundation
The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity that aims to provide patients and carers with as much up to the minute information as is necessary to support them through their cancer experience. Learn more about prevention, causes and treatments« Back to Treatment Menu