If you’re a smoker or know someone who is, you’ve probably heard all the usual warnings about lung health, but smoking’s impact on your oral health doesn’t get talked about as much. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and smoking can wreak havoc on it in ways that might surprise you. From stained teeth to serious diseases like oral cancer, the effects can be pretty harsh. So, let’s dive into some need-to-know facts about how smoking affects your oral health—because keeping that smile healthy is more important than you might think!
Fast facts
- Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other forms of tobacco cause oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
- Untreated cavities (tooth decay) are higher in people who smoke cigarettes. Over 40% of adults aged 20 to 64 who currently smoke cigarettes have cavities, compared to only 20% of adults who never smoked.
- Adults aged 65 or older who smoke cigarettes are twice as likely to have untreated cavities as those who never smoked.
- About 43% of adults aged 65 or older who currently smoke cigarettes have lost all of their teeth.
- Smoking or using smokeless tobacco increases the risk for oral cancer and other head and neck cancers.
- Health care providers in a variety of settings play a critical role in helping people quit using tobacco.
When it comes down to it, your health is priceless, and no cigarette or tobacco product is worth the risk. The damage smoking does to your mouth is just the tip of the iceberg—it’s a sign of deeper issues that can affect your entire body. By choosing to quit or avoiding tobacco altogether, you’re not just protecting your smile, you’re investing in a healthier, longer life. So, take that step towards better health and leave smoking behind; your future self will thank you.
**By increasing the reach and accessibility of smoking cessation messages, the Tips® campaign addresses health disparities and aims to promote health equity.**
