Effects of Smoking on the Mouth
Smoking has far more effects on a person's health than just lung cancer and heart problems. The mouth suffers significant effects from cigarettes, pipes, cigars and other tobacco products. These issues range from minor social inconveniences to major medical problems in need of surgery.
Bad Breath
The most basic effect of smoking on the mouth is bad breath. Carcinogens in tobacco can build up on the tongue and oral tissue, which causes a sustained smell that is hard to cover up.
Oral Cancer
Nearly 90% of people who suffer from oral cancer are smokers, according to a study conducted by the American Cancer Society. Oral cancer causes a person to lose teeth and tissue, and sometimes even parts of the jaw.
Gum Disease
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 41.5% of smokers eventually suffer from gum disease. The majority of the people afflicted lose teeth by the time they are 65 because of the disease.
Yellowing Teeth
According to the American Dental Association, tar and other chemicals found in cigarettes lead to the yellowing of teeth. This yellowing is more difficult to remove than most other forms, as the smoke permeates the surface of the tooth.
Hairy Tongue
Found most commonly in pipe and cigar smokers, hairy tongue is a condition in which the cells on the tongue fail to shed properly. This appears as white, hairlike fibers across the top of the tongue.
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