According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 out of every 100 adults currently smokes cigarettes. While this number has steadily decreased over the years, tobacco use remains a prevalent habit, and in turn, the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. If you’re currently a smoker or you use chewing tobacco, odds are both your doctor and your dentist will encourage you to quit. If you’re curious about the correlation between oral health and smoking, here’s some important information you should know. 

Understanding the Benefits of Quitting Your Tobacco Habit

How Does Tobacco Impact Your Oral Health?

Cigarettes and chewing tobacco contain nicotine and tar, two components that can cause tooth discoloration and bad breath as they reduce saliva production. In addition, smoking weakens your immune system and your body’s ability to fight off infection. As a result, dentists often treat smokers with gum disease and tooth decay. In fact, smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to contract gum disease and in many situations, these patients need tooth extractions and dental implants because of their nicotine habit. 

What are the Benefits of Quitting Smoking?

By ditching cigarettes and other tobacco products early on, you’ll restore your body’s ability to fight off infections. Therefore, you’ll be less likely to contract gum disease and you won’t leave your mouth susceptible to other oral health issues like cavities and root damage. In addition, nearly 80% of patients with mouth and throat cancer are tobacco smokers, so by quitting, you’ll minimize your risk of these life-threatening conditions. Plus, with the help of an experienced dentist and routine teeth cleanings every six months, you can maintain a bright smile and fresh breath that make you self-confident and self-assured in any situation. 

With a comfortable, forward-thinking practice based in the heart of Statesboro, GA, Larry G. Hubbard, DDS has become a leading dentist known throughout Bulloch County. If you’re looking for an experienced dental care clinic that believes in providing top-notch care in a soothing environment, call today at (912) 764-9891 to schedule your first appointment. For more information on the services provided, from tooth extractions and root canals to comprehensive cosmetic dentistry procedures geared towards restoring beautiful smiles, visit their website.