What Makes Tobacco Hazardous for Your Gums and Teeth?

Although chewing tobacco may not appear as bad for your teeth as smoking, it may have just as bad an impact. Over time, the practice can cause serious gum and dental problems by exposing the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues to dangerous substances. One must be aware of these hazards to make wise choices regarding this practice.

The Immediate Impact of Chewing Tobacco on the Mouth

Chewing tobacco releases chemicals into saliva, forming a strong solution that coats teeth and gums. This exposure begins to deteriorate the outermost layer of the teeth, the enamel, increasing their susceptibility to decay. Furthermore, many chewing tobacco products contain sugar, which raises the risk of cavities even more.

As stated by an NCBI study, sugars are found naturally in tobacco. On top of that, many tobacco and nicotine product companies add various sugars like glucose, sucrose, and fructose to their products. They do this to control how customers perceive the actual noxiousness of cigarette smoke. Moreover, the amount of sugar added can go up to 4% of the cigarette’s weight.

In addition to the teeth, the gums are affected. Chronic tobacco use causes inflammation by irritating the gum tissue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that direct exposure to even e-liquids can cause irritation, burning, dryness, etc.

The irritation caused by tobacco products can result in white and red patches in the mouth. The white patches are known as leukoplakia, and the red ones are known as erythroplakia. While the red ones have a higher chance, both these types of patches can turn cancerous.

The roots of the teeth, which are more vulnerable and less shielded than the enamel-covered crown, may become visible as the gums recede. Additionally, pockets of germs can develop as a result of receding gums, increasing the risk of infection.

How soon does tobacco chewing impact my dental health?

Your mouth is affected by chewing tobacco very quickly. After repeated exposure, the chemicals start to erode enamel and irritate sensitive tissues. After weeks to months of consistent use, symptoms like gum sensitivity or irritation may appear. However, some harm already happens before you can see them.

The Role of Tobacco in Staining and Bad Breath

Teeth discoloration is one of the most obvious consequences of chewing tobacco.

A meta-review of 27 studies showed that tobacco and nicotine cause staining. Of the 27 studies included in the meta-review, 18 showed clear evidence that chewing tobacco caused staining of dental hard tissues. The association of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products with staining was limited based on these studies. However, it was confirmed that staining due to e-cigarettes was lower compared to traditional tobacco products.

Even with expert cleaning, the yellowish or brownish discoloration left by the nicotine and tar in tobacco might be challenging to get rid of. This can eventually impact your confidence and the way your smile looks.

Halitosis, the medical term for persistent foul breath, is another frequent adverse effect. Brushing alone cannot eliminate the disagreeable odor caused by tobacco residue and the development of oral germs.

Is it possible to get rid of chewing tobacco stains forever?

Although some stains can be removed with expert dental cleanings, severe discoloration may necessitate veneers or tooth whitening procedures. Chewing tobacco usage will result in recurrent stains even after therapy. In order to save your teeth and stop further yellowing, you must quit.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

Chewing tobacco increases the risk of gum disease, which can range from minor irritation to serious damage. The hallmark of gingivitis, the initial stage of this gum disease, is often red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. If treatment is not received, this can develop into periodontitis, a more serious condition in which the gums separate from the teeth.

In addition to irritating the gums, tobacco’s compounds weaken the body’s defenses against infections. A ScienceDirect study concludes that cigarette smoking weakens immune effector cells like:

• Macrophages
• T lymphocytes
• Neutrophils

This impacts the regulation of immunity, which further promotes inflammation and cancer. Thus, it implies that compared to non-users, tobacco users may experience delayed healing and more severe gum disease development.

Impact of pH Levels on Gum Disease

Smoking cigarettes or chewing smokeless tobacco can cause significant alterations in pH levels. A study found that cigarette and e-cigarette users had higher acidic salivary pH compared to non-smokers. Moreover, tobacco can impact the salivary flow rate. Saliva is very important for maintaining the pH levels in the mouth because of its buffer mechanism. However, since saliva’s flow rate is impacted, the mouth becomes more acidic, increasing the risk of gum disease.

A similar process occurs with the use of medication like Suboxone. As noted by TruLaw, Suboxone is a popular drug used to treat opioid use disorder. Many doctors prescribe the medicine to patients who want to overcome opioid addiction. However, many patients have complained that using the medication has led to the development of various oral health diseases.

These patients have even filed Suboxone lawsuits against the manufacturer, Indivior. The lawsuits allege that the product’s acidic formulation increases the risk of dental problems like tooth decay, erosion, and tooth loss. If the use of this medicine has impacted you, you can also file a Suboxone lawsuit. You can find a lawyer who can file the case and negotiate on your behalf to get you a deserving settlement.

Bone and Tooth Loss

The structural integrity of your teeth and jawbone is also impacted by tobacco use. Tobacco-induced chronic gum disease can weaken the bone supporting your teeth, resulting in loose or even missing teeth. Since missing bone cannot grow back on its own, surgical procedures like bone grafting are frequently required to restore both function and beauty.

Additionally, the behavior weakens the capacity of the gums and bones to sustain healthy teeth by compromising their blood flow. Prolonged tobacco use increases the risk of serious dental issues due to this confluence of circumstances.

Is it possible to restore the bone loss caused by chewing tobacco?

Without surgical treatment, such as bone transplants, the bone loss caused by chewing tobacco is sometimes permanent. On the other hand, stopping tobacco use and getting dental treatment can prevent bone loss and enhance oral health in general. Treatments for gum disease and routine cleanings are important preventive strategies.

Connection Between Tobacco and Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most dangerous effects of chewing tobacco. There are carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco that can harm the DNA of oral cells. Precancerous lesions like leukoplakia, which manifest as white or gray spots in the mouth, may eventually arise due to this. If these lesions are not treated promptly, they may become malignant.

Regardless of the type of product you choose, there are high chances of developing cancer due to tobacco use. A study found that the use of cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, hookah, etc., causes oral cavity cancer.

Oral cancer can impact the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. Possible symptoms are persistent sores, trouble swallowing or chewing, and inexplicable pain. Prevention is the best course of action, but early discovery is essential for successful treatment.

There are serious threats to the health of your teeth and gums when you chew tobacco. The negative consequences of this behavior are extensive, ranging from tooth loss and oral cancer to gum disease and enamel erosion. You may greatly enhance your general and oral health by being aware of the repercussions and taking action to stop.