Smoking Cessation 

Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer or periodontal disease than non-smokers.  Even smokeless tobacco products contain at least 28 cancer causing agents and raise the risk of developing cancer of the lips, cheek, and gums by 50 times.  Tobacco can cause the gums to recede, which exposes the roots of teeth causing sensitivity and promoting tooth decay. Tobacco also delays the healing time after an  extraction.  Bad breath, dark staining on both the teeth and gums, and the build up of tartar are all   common side effects of tobacco use. Cigars are not an alternative to tobacco either.  Even if the smoke is not inhaled, the a cigar smoker is still at risk for oral and throat cancer, as well as the staining and periodontal risks as cigarette smokers.  Some symptoms of oral cancer are an irritation or sore that will not heal, tenderness or numbness near the mouth , lips or tongue, a lump or bumpy patch inside your mouth which will usually be gray, red, or white, or any difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing.  If you are a tobacco user, or feel you are at risk for oral cancer, please schedule an appointment for a free cancer screening.