Smoking and Oral Health

A few months ago, we discussed smoking and its relationship to adult periodontitis. Here we are going to answer a couple of questions regarding smoking and oral health. As always, please contact your doctor if you have any questions about smoking or your health.




Is smoking really that bad for me? 
Smoking tobacco products causes bad breath and usually stains your teeth. Once inhaled, the smoke particles can live inside your lungs, throat, and mouth for hours. Tobacco can cause a myriad of problems such as lung cancer, oral cancer, various gum diseases, and a more gradual healing process after dental procedures. Since the 1960's, over 20 million people in the United States alone have died due to smoking related illnesses and more than 10% of those lost their lives from being exposed to secondhand smoke.

What about cigarette substitutes? Aren't those safer?
Hookah, for example, has 100 times more tobacco than a normal cigarette making it an unsafe option. Flavored cigarettes have 500% more nicotine than most cigarettes. Even smoking tobacco from a pipe can lead to a higher risk of contracting cancers in the mouth, lungs, lips, colon, and even pancreas. The best smoking alternative is to simply stop.

How do I quit?
There are many resources for helping kick tobacco addiction. Visit smokefree.gov to read about different strategies and support options.

Source: Mouth Healthy by the American Dental Association




Once again, if you have any questions regarding your oral health, please feel free to call us at one of our three convenient locations. We are here to provide a fun and stress-free dental experience for you and your family.

North location on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012 
Central location on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424 
South location on William Cannon Drive: (512) 445-5811