Tobacco causes 85% of oral cancers. Any type of tobacco can cause oral cancer. Only 50% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer are alive after 5 years. If you use tobacco, see your dentist or dental hygienist for a thorough head and neck cancer exam. Ask them to teach you how to perform a self- exam at home.

Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer:

Periodontal Disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection in the gums that can destroy the jawbone and cause tooth loss. Tobacco use is a major cause of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and premature babies. If you use tobacco and haven’t seen your dentist or dental hygienist in the last year, it is important to make an appointment to ensure good oral health as well as total health.

Tobacco has many effects on oral health. Not all are mentioned here.

Tobacco tars and chemicals can discolor and stain teeth, dentures and nonmetallic restorations. As tobacco use continues, complete removal of stain becomes impossible.

Grit found in spit (chewing) tobacco (link to our spit tobacco page) causes abrasion of the tooth surface. Spit tobacco contains sugars and causes tooth decay. In fact, spit tobacco users have a 4 times greater risk of tooth decay.

Leukoplakia is a white patch that cannot be wiped off. It increases with all forms of tobacco use and occurs 6 times more frequently in smokers. Leukoplakia is considered a precancer.