The Oral Health Connection by Penny Judson-Benny, Registered Dental Hygienist

Smoking – Are the risks worth it?

(Page 8)

It has been known for quite some time now that smoking is highly linked with lung cancer and heart disease. Emphysema is almost exclusively found in smokers and 35% of all cancers can be attributed to smoking. There is an increased risk for early tooth loss and the main cause of throat and lung cancers is smoking.
Smoking contributes to 95% of lung cancer deaths. Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, and cervical cancer in smokers is 8-17 times higher due to the increased concentration of nicotine found in the cervical mucus.
No amount of smoking is risk free! The amount of risk depends on how long someone has smoked, how deeply one inhales, as well as genetic factors.
Tobacco smoking lessens the effectiveness of medications (ie pain relievers, anti-depressants, tranquillizers, sedatives, ulcer meds and insulin). Smoking also destroys certain vitamins and creates the need for other specific nutrients. With every puff of a cigarette, a smoker breathes in 4700 different chemicals!
Smokers are more likely to have grey hair and have increased hair loss. Smokers are also more likely to have a chronic sinusitis.
Ninety per cent of all regular smokers began smoking before the age of eighteen.
Smoking and Oral Health
Smoking and chewing tobacco damage the gums and other areas of the mouth. The risk of tooth loss is 2X more in a smoker than a non-smoker. There is also a delay in healing after tooth extractions and it sometimes can lead to a temporary and painful condition called 'dry socket'. It is also the main cause of throat and oral cancers. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of periodontal disease by at least 4X compared to a non-smoker. There is also less success with dental implants as well as treating periodontal disease. There is a higher incidence of inflammation of the salivary glands.
Less riskier side effects from smoking include: an increase in halitosis (bad breath), a decrease in taste and smell, increased staining of the teeth as well having 'black, hairy tongue' (growths on the tongue making it look like the tongue is hairy and can be black or brown in appearance), as well as a more constant build-up of tartar and plaque.
 Nicotine addiction is very strong and hard to lose and this makes tobacco companies very successful! In order to reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease, as well as live a long, healthy life smoke cessation is necessary.
Tips for smokers
Quit! Quit! Quit!
Get regular oral health exams and teeth cleanings from your dental professional. It is important to have a regular oral hygiene program including brushing, flossing, using an antibacterial mouthrinse and tongue cleaner. Learn to do oral cancer self examination which include checking for sores and/or lumps around the face, neck, lips and in the mouth that do not heal in two weeks time. Check for white, red or dark patches on the cheeks, palate, tongue and under the tongue. If these patches have not healed in two  weeks time, have them checked by a dental professional. Also be aware of any numbness, pain or loss of feeling in any area of the mouth. It is important to be very familiar with what feels 'normal' in the orofacial area and what doesn't.

'Keep Your Smile For a Lifetime!'

Penny Judson-Benny, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.