How exactly does tobacco harm your oral health? Here we cover some of the biggest and most lasting impacts that using any type of tobacco product can have on your beautiful smile.

Tobacco Causes Oral Cancer

All types of tobacco have been linked to cancer, including oral cancer. Oral cancer includes cancers of mouth, tongue, throat, neck, and even certain parts of the face. Tobacco is the leading cause of cancer and death from cancer, including oral cancer [1].

In fact, people who use tobacco products—cigar smokers in particular—are up to 10 times more likely to die from oral cancer, including esophageal cancer (cancer of the esophagus, or the tube that connects your throat and your stomach) and laryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx, which forms part of the throat and the vocal cords) [2].

Smoking and Chewing Tobacco Stain Your Smile

It’s no secret that smoking and chewing tobacco have a negative effect on the appearance of your smile [3]. People who use tobacco tend to have a yellowish or brownish hue to their teeth, which can get worse over time, especially with regular use.

These stains can be difficult to remove, even after you’ve stopped using tobacco products. You may have the option of getting a professional teeth whitening, but for some people, these stains won’t come out or will only lighten to a certain degree.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

Smoking and tobacco use also increases your risk for gum disease [4]. Tobacco products contain nicotine, which is addictive, and nicotine affects the oral cavity by decreasing blood flow to the gum tissue.

Since nicotine inhibits blood flow in the oral cavity, it actually works to mask symptoms of gum disease. Many people who smoke or otherwise use tobacco have gum disease and experience minimal or no symptoms, leading them to think everything is fine while gum disease is discreetly advancing. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States and can dramatically impact your smile if left untreated [5]!

Do You Smoke or Use Tobacco?

If you use tobacco products (remember, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine!), it’s time to reconsider your use. There are more options than ever today to help you quit—including nicotine gum, patches, and even medications you can take. Talk to your doctor or dentist today to get started with kicking your tobacco habit to the curb!

Sources:
1. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cessation-fact-
sheet
2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=oral-cancer-and-tobacco-85-
P00900
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1079878/
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/smoking-and-tobacco
5. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/periodontal-disease

The post How Exactly Does Tobacco Harm Your Smile? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Veneers are a popular form of treatment that can cover crooked teeth, stained teeth, or
chipped teeth for a comprehensive smile makeover.

With so many benefits, it helps to know how durable this form of cosmetic dentistry is and how
long you can expect it to last when considering dental veneers!

Dental Veneers Are Extremely Durable

Dental veneers are made of porcelain ceramic. Although they’re light and thin, they can resist
wear and tear just like your natural tooth enamel. They’re resistant to staining, cracks, and
chips to help you have a functional, durable smile.

Your dental veneers won’t affect how you use your natural teeth. Since the veneer essentially
covers your real teeth, they are considered a cosmetic treatment and will not affect the
function of your teeth. Veneers can help make your smile more resistant to damage and
staining, however.

Veneers Can Last Over a Decade

With proper care, you can expect dental veneers to last about 10 years. However, you may be
able to keep your veneers for 15-20 years or even longer without replacement.

Many patients will at least need to get their veneers re-evaluated during this time. Although
dental veneers are resistant to discoloration, they can still stain over time and they can still
sustain damage, especially if you’re not caring for your smile through daily brushing, flossing,
and regular dentist visits.

When you take care of your dental veneers, you might just see your investment last for more
than a decade and possibility two!

Extending the Life of Your Veneers

Just because dental veneers are durable and can last for years and years doesn’t mean you can
abuse or neglect your teeth. You’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth just like normal. If you play sports, you should still invest in a custom mouthguard to protect your smile.

You should also avoid teeth grinding, chewing on ice, and other damaging practices for teeth
just as you would with your natural pearly whites.

The durability and longevity of your dental veneers will depend on how well you care for your
teeth and proper application of the veneers, so finding an experienced dentist is important [1].
Visiting your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings can also help you extend the life of
your veneers by keeping your smile strong and healthy and evaluating your veneers for
damage.

Dental veneers may be the right choice for your smile if you have numerous issues with your
teeth but don’t want to invest in separate cosmetic treatments. You can schedule a
consultation with your dentist to learn if dental veneers are the best treatment option to get
you the smile you’ve always wanted!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652364/

The post How Durable Are Dental Veneers, and How Long Do They Last? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.