Dentist in West Seneca to Reverse the Effects of Tobacco

It is estimated that more than 36 million adults in the United States currently use cigarettes. While it is common knowledge that tobacco use leads to serious health complications, like respiratory disease and cancer, many remain unaware of the complications tobacco use has on your oral health. With May 31^st World No Tobacco Day, we want to raise awareness to the damaging affects tobacco has on your dental health. As your dentist in West Seneca, Applegate Dental PPLC, encourages you to say no to tobacco to protect your oral and overall health.

Tobacco Use and Your Oral Health

Tobacco is responsible for the deaths of more than 480,000 Americans each year. Among those deaths, many have to do with the development of oral cancer. Each year, more than 49,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. In addition, nearly 10,000 die each year from oral cancer. Of those diagnosed with the cancer, 90% are frequent tobacco users.

Oral cancer is not the only threat to your dental health when using tobacco products. Tobacco use limits your body’s ability to heal and fight infection. As a result, tobacco users have a significantly increased risk for developing gum disease. Not only does it increase the likeliness for the infection, but it also makes periodontal therapy less effective, further impacting dental health. Over time, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and receding gum lines, even with proper gum disease treatment.

The body’s low immune response makes it difficult to recover from oral surgery, including that of dental implants. When dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and tobacco use in not stopped, the risk for dental implant failure increases. As a dentist for dental implants in West Seneca, we often see late-term implant failure due to the use of tobacco.

Those who use tobacco often tend to have an increased risk for tooth decay. In addition, those undergoing orthodontic treatment often have delayed tooth adjustment, causing lengthy and delayed treatments.

Tobacco use of any kind causes significant staining and yellowing of the teeth. The dark tooth discoloration can be difficult to treat. However, cosmetic and oral health issues are not the only concern. You can develop chronic bad breath. Over time, you may develop a dulled taste and sense of smell, decreasing your enjoyment for foods you love.

Combating the Effects of Tobacco Use

In honor of World No Tobacco Day, we want to see you promote your oral and overall health. This May, make a commitment to stop tobacco use. By doing so, you will protect the health and beauty of your teeth and gums, while promoting a longer lifespan.

Dentist Near Me for Oral Health

If you are experiencing oral health complications from tobacco use, we can help. As you start your journey to a healthier mouth and body, we will help to restore your oral health with preventive care, restorative services, and periodontal therapy. In addition, we can help reverse the negative cosmetic flaws caused by tobacco use to enhance your confidence. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.