TOBACCO USE—KICK THE HABIT
Tobacco use causes all kinds of problems in the mouth. It is, along with alcohol abuse, the major cause of oral cancer in men and women. Oral cancer has one of the lowest cure rates of any form of the disease. Tobacco use prevents normal healing after surgical procedures such as tooth extraction or implant placement. Besides poor oral hygiene, tobacco use is the single greatest risk factor for periodontal disease. Over 80% of people who use tobacco have some form of periodontal disease. Chewing tobacco and snuff use increases the risk of tooth decay, especially on the roots. Tobacco use also causes halitosis (bad breath).
Tobacco use is an addiction. Tobacco naturally contains nicotine, a substance that scientific studies have proven to be addictive. Nicotine withdrawal is a serious, complicated condition with physical and psychological consequences, such as weight gain and depression. Tobacco cessation should be undertaken with the support of a physician. Ending tobacco use is one of the best things you can do for yourself.