The Tobacco and Oral Health Care Link – Everything You Need to Know

It has long been known that tobacco use has a negative effect on the health of your gums, making them more susceptible to disease, tooth discoloration, and oral infections. Overcoming tobacco addiction can be as difficult as any other addiction, but have you ever sought the help of an expert and been taught the intricacies of an oral health transition? If not, you’ve come to the right place to learn all about dental care and how to break your tobacco addiction one step at a time.

IANSlife caught up with Ankit Agarwal, Co-Founder of Fang, a luxury oral care brand that combines ingredients from nature and modern technology to create world-class preventive dental care products, and is committed to promoting oral health care and tobacco But that’s what they say about everything.

gum care

cre trending stories

“Tobacco use significantly affects the health of your gums, making them more prone to disease. The chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow, which impairs the normal function of gum tissue cells. This makes it harder for your gums to heal, leading to severe periodontal (gum) diseases that can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.

Tobacco users should consider using toxin-free toothpaste as mass-produced toothpastes contain sulfates and parabens that can aggravate already inflamed gums. “Brushes with soft bristles that protect the already irritated gums from eruption are also highly recommended,” says Ankit.

ALSO READ: SPECIAL: Asthma in Children – How to ensure a normal childhood, precautions to be taken

teeth stains

“Tobacco is notorious for staining teeth. The tar and nicotine in tobacco can turn the color of your teeth yellow or brown over time. Chewing tobacco is even worse. It’s not just a cosmetic concern. The same substances that cause stains also damage your teeth, causing cavities and erosion. Smokers and tobacco/pan masala chewers should have their teeth cleaned once every 6 months. Treatment can also be considered because repeated cleanings just for cosmetic reasons can destroy the enamel and do more harm than good,” says co-founder of Fang.

oral infection

According to Ankit, tobacco users are more likely to develop a variety of diseases and oral infections in the long run, “Chemicals in tobacco can impair your mouth’s ability to fight bacteria, making users more prone to infections.” This includes periodontal infections, which can lead to tooth loss and bone loss, and thrush, a yeast infection that causes painful white patches in the mouth.”

“Tobacco use is linked to a myriad of oral diseases. Apart from gum disease and cavities, it also substantially increases the risk of oral cancer, which can be life-threatening. Other conditions include leukoplakia (white spots in the mouth), candidiasis and stomatitis (inflammation and sores inside the mouth). Also, smoking can delay healing after oral surgery, making the treatment less effective,” says Ankit

freedom from tobacco addiction

“Overcoming tobacco addiction is a challenging but achievable goal. It is important to have a strong motivation to quit tobacco and build a support system. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help identify triggers and manage craving. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like patches, gum, or lozenges, can reduce withdrawal symptoms. Prescription drugs like bupropion or varenicline can also be considered. Remember, It’s not about going cold turkey overnight – it’s about sustained effort and progress,” concluded Ankit.

“Needless to say, the most effective way to stop tobacco from interfering with oral health is to quit smoking, pan masala and shisha, but the choice to quit tobacco use is personal and may be more challenging than one might expect. For those who cannot find the motivation to quit, regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing are essential. Using oral care products with toxins and known carcinogens should be avoided. Regardless of one’s lifestyle choices, one should seek the help of health care professionals.” and identify brands that are committed to preventive oral care.”