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Don’t Underestimate Smokeless Tobacco

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian     Categories: Uncategorized

It’s common knowledge that smoking affects your oral health, but let’s not forget about smoking’s destructive counterpart: smokeless chewing tobacco (also known as “snuff”). For those of you who are unfamiliar with this, snuff is a fine grain tobacco that a user places in their mouth between their lips and gums. As saliva generates, the user spits out (instead of swallowing) the saliva tainted black from the tobacco. The result? The user feels the effects immediately as the nicotine goes directly into the blood stream, along with hundreds of carcinogens.

Unlike smoking, where carcinogens are present while inhaling, smokeless tobacco is a constant application of carcinogens siting in one spot for an extended period of time. If tobacco were fire, snuff would be like sticking your hands directly in the flame.

Snuff can harm your health in a number of ways. Everything from tooth discoloration, throat and gum disease, lung and oral cancers, and in some untreated cases, death. The greatest and most common concern for snuff users is gum cancer. The common warning signs are scaly patterns on the inside of the mouth or lips and red sores. If left untreated or undetected, the condition will develop into oral cancer.

So what can you do to avoid developing a serious illness? The first is obvious: stop the habit all together! We know, that’s a lot easier said than done. Try going the route of nicotine patches or gum. You’ll provide your body with the nicotine it craves, while not damaging your oral health. You can also visit your dentist frequently. The ADA recommends that smokeless tobacco users see their dentist more often than normal. Frequent trips to the dentist will help you keep an eye out for oral lesions that may later develop.

Jun
18

Tea for Your Teeth!

It’s difficult to find a beverage you enjoy that wouldn’t pose any potential harm to your teeth. Whether it’s the acidity in fruit juice, or the acidity and high sugar content of soft drinks, finding something to quench your thirst without worrying about your dental health can be a challenge. However, tea lovers may have […]

Jun
12

Oral Health Tips for Those Aged 40-60

If you’re between 40-60 years old, you have unique concerns regarding your oral health. Here’s what you should be paying attention to. Gum Disease Gingivitis is the first and only stage of gum disease that is reversible. If not treated properly, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis—a serious, destructive disease. Some people with gum disease show […]

May
28

Could Fillings Become a Thing of the Past?

Could fillings be a thing of the past? Scientists in London have developed a pain-free filling that doesn’t require drilling or injections. Normally, a dentist would remove the decay by drilling and then the cavity is filled with a material such as amalgam or composite resin. The new treatment technique, developed by King’s College London, […]

May
21

Fighting Dental Cavities With Oil-Pulling

While there are many fads out there that claim to be beneficial for your general or dental health, oil-pulling actually is. It can reduce the number of cavity causing bacteria as well as reduce the tooth-eroding acidity in the mouth. Studies have also shown that oil-pulling can reduce the plaque index of your mouth. And […]

Feb
5

Beware of Brushing?

Too much brushing can’t hurt, right? Not exactly. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brushes their teeth at least twice per day. If you’re especially keen about taking perfect care of your teeth, maybe you brush after meals too—be warned: there is a right way to do this. Researchers have discovered that brushing too […]

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