Tobacco has two effects on oral health: cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx and periodontal disease.
The link between smoking and lung cancer is well known. What’s little known, however, is that tobacco use can also lead to oral and pharyngeal cancer, the eighth most common type of cancer in the U.S.
The risk of developing mouth or throat cancers depends on how much and how long a person uses tobacco. Smokers are many times more likely than nonsmokers to develop these cancers.
Smoking can also cause cancers of the larynx, lungs, esophagus, kidneys, bladder, and many other organs. Smokeless tobacco products (chewing tobacco, snuff) are linked to cancers of the cheek, gums, and inner surface of the lips. While electronic cigarettes (vaping products) don’t contain tobacco, they contain harmful substances like lead and nicotine, which don’t make them any safer than tobacco products.
Because it’s difficult to spot signs of oral cavity and pharynx (OCP) cancer early, two-thirds of cases are diagnosed in late stages.
However, a dentist, doctor, or dental hygienist can find small precancerous lesions and cancers in the mouth and throat during routine screenings.
Tobacco use poses the greatest risk in developing and worsening periodontal (gum) disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. About 20% of nonsmokers over 65 lose teeth compared with 41.3% of daily smokers.
Gum disease starts with bacteria on your teeth that get under your gums. Smoking weakens your body’s ability to fight off gum infection and makes it harder for your gums to heal.
If the germs stay on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) develop. This buildup leads to early gum disease called gingivitis. When gum disease worsens, the gums can pull away from your teeth and form spaces that get infected. This is advanced gum disease known as periodontitis.
The bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place can break down and cause your teeth to loosen and fall out or need to be pulled out.
Other consequences related to smoking include:
