I was having a conversation with my husband last night in regards to tobacco because he runs the Rebel II anti-tobacco club at the school where he teaches. Yesterday the kids had to write what comes to mind when they hear the word tobacco. I must say, some of the answers were quite creative and yet others were very intelligent. I was surprised at how many of the kids, seeing as they are only in middle school, mentioned the effects of tobacco on your oral health. Here are some of the effects tobacco can have on your mouth:
www.smokefree.gov/index.asp
www.tobaccofreekids.org/index.php
- Oral cancer
- Bad breath or halitosis
- Black hairy tongue
- Gum recession - especially with chewing tobacco, the gums recede away from where you place the tobacco, exposing the roots
- Delayed healing of the gums
- Increased severity of periodontal disease
- Nicotinic stomatitis (smoker's palate) - inflammation of salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
- Staining
- Tar deposits remaining on the teeth
www.smokefree.gov/index.asp
www.tobaccofreekids.org/index.php
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