Oral health is often overlooked in conversations surrounding overall well-being. Yet, it plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. One significant factor impacting oral health is tobacco use. Dr. Kelley Mingus, a trusted dentist operating out of Bend, Oregon, has dedicated his career to educating individuals about this undeniable link between tobacco use and oral health.
Understanding the Link
The health risks associated with tobacco are well known, but the specific relationship it manifests with oral health isn’t always given the spotlight. Tobacco use—whether smoked or chewed—presents a wide range of negative oral health outcomes—from oral cancer to stained teeth. Below, you’ll find a more detailed exploration of these issues in the words of Dr. Kelley Mingus.
The Role of Nicotine
Nicotine—the primary addictive component in tobacco—has a substantial impact on oral health. It reduces blood flow to the gums, potentially causing periodontal diseases. The issue becomes more complex with ongoing tobacco use, as it can make treatment of these conditions challenging and less effective.
Oral Cancer
Arguably the most severe repercussion of tobacco use is the risk of oral cancer. According to Dr. Kelley Mingus, individuals who smoke are 6 times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to non-smokers. The risk multiplies for those who smoke and drink alcohol heavily.
Effects of Smoking on Oral Health
Dr. Kelley Mingus emphasizes the alarming variety of oral health issues that can result from smoking. Highlighting some of these complications can help bring this critical conversation to the forefront.
- Gum disease: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to the teeth.
- Oral cancer: As stated before, tobacco use significantly increases the chance of developing oral cancer.
- Tooth discoloration: The nicotine and tar in tobacco can stain the teeth, leading to yellow or brown discoloration.
- Bad breath: Smoking tobacco can cause chronic bad breath.
Effects of Smokeless Tobacco on Oral Health
Smokeless tobacco—though often perceived as a ‘safer’ alternative—still presents substantial oral health risks. Dr. Kelley Mingus shares some of these below.
- Oral cancer: Smokeless tobacco contains 28 carcinogenic chemicals. These can result in cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and pancreas.
- Tooth decay: The sugar often added to improve the taste of smokeless tobacco can lead to tooth decay.
- Gum disease: Similar to smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco can also result in gum disease.
Quitting Tobacco and Improving Oral Health
Though the risks associated with tobacco are numerous, it’s important to note that improvement is possible. Quitting tobacco significantly reduces these risks—the earlier, the better. Dr. Kelley Mingus is a staunch advocate for tobacco cessation and offers help to those seeking to quit.
Regular Dental Check-ups
“Prevention is better than cure” is an adage that rings especially true for ensuring oral health among tobacco users. Regular check-ups at Dr. Kelley Mingus’s dental office can aid in the early detection of health issues, making treatment more effective and efficient.
Taking Care of Your Teeth
Alongside professional help, there are steps you can take at home to take care of your oral health. The emphasis here is on proper brushing and flossing daily and avoiding tobacco.
Treating Tobacco-Related Oral Health Issues
At Kelley Mingus’s dental office, a comprehensive range of treatments are available for those facing oral health complications from tobacco use.