Periodontitis
and the Smoking Patient
- If all people stopped smoking, periodontal (gum) disease
would decrease in older people 47% and 60% for younger people.
- Adult smokers are approximately three times as likely
as non-smokers to have periodontitis.
- Smokers are more likely to avoid periodontal therapy.
- Quitting smoking is a part of periodontal therapy.
Journal of Evidence-based Dental Practice, December 2003;
Journal of Periodontology, February 2004 |
|
Periodontal Diseases
Research
suggests that tobacco smoking depresses the immune system making
it harder for your body to fight off communicable diseases such
as colds. In addition, smokers do not heal as well as
nonsmokers and they do not experience as great of an improvement
in their gums after periodontal disease therapy. The negative
effects of smoking can be reversed by no longer smoking or using
tobacco. After 10 years, former smokers appear to be no more
likely than nonsmokers to have severe loss of periodontal attachment.
Oral
and Pharyngeal Cancers
Cigarettes & tobacco smoke contains
over 4,000 compounds, some of which cause cancer and are
toxic to your health. About 90% of oral cancer deaths
are attributable to smoking.
Smokeless
(Spit) Tobacco
These products are linked to
oral and throat cancers. Spit tobacco can also cause dental
caries (bone/tooth decay) due to the sugar
content it contains. Spit tobacco users have an
oral cancer risk 4 to 6 times that of nonusers. |
|
Cigars and Pipes
Cigar smoke contains
the same toxic and cancer causing compounds found in cigarette
smoke. Research has shown that cigar smokers are 2 to
22 times more likely to develop the risk of oral and throat
cancers than non-smokers. Your Willamette Dental dentist
will work with you to help you stop smoking when you are ready.
There are also state Quit Lines that offer free quitting information,
one-on-one telephone counseling, and referrals for you or a
loved one.
| Quit
Lines |
| Oregon,
Washington Idaho: |
(877)
270-STOP
(877)
270-7867 |
| Spanish
Line: |
(877)
2NO-FUME
(877) 266-3865 |
| Hearing
Impaired: |
(877)
777-6534 |
|
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