Tobacco Products
Adolescents Grades 6-12

• People who smoke are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers.

What Effects can Smoking have on your Oral Health?

• Use of any tobacco product can increase the risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease (periodontal disease).
• Tobacco products damage gum tissue by effecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to the teeth. An example is receding gums. A receding gum line exposes the tooth roots and increases risk of developing a sensitivity to hot and cold, or tooth decay in these unprotected areas.
• Smoking can delay healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery.
• Smoking also can contribute to bad breath, stains on the teeth and tongue, and a build-up of tartar on the teeth.
  
  

Are Cigars a Safe Alternative to Cigarettes?

• Cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes. Even if people do not inhale cigar smoke, they are still at risk for oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancers.
• Like cigarette smokers, cigar smokers are at increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease, a leading cause of tooth loss.
• In addition to the health risks, cigar smoke (and cigarette smoke) can cause staining of the teeth and tongue as well as bad breath.

Are Smokeless Tobacco Products Safe?

• Tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products.
• Smokeless tobacco can irritate the gum tissue, causing it to recede or pull away from the teeth.
• Sugars, often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, can increase risk for tooth decay. Smokeless tobacco also typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down teeth enamel.
   

What are some Signs of Oral Cancer?

Signs and symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:

• Any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning or a sore that will not heal
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
• Development of a lump, a leathery, wrinkled or bumpy patch inside the mouth
• Color changes to oral soft tissues (gray, red or white spots or patches), rather than a healthy pink color
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
• Any change in the way teeth fit together
• See your dentist or physician with any of these changes
  
  For More Information go to Adults: Oral Cancer

Back to Health Promotion

Back to Oral Health Home

Lower Rio Grande Valley

Mid Rio Grande Valley

South Central

South Coastal

Winter Garden