It is hard for a person that uses tobacco to stop. They know that there are many health risks associated with the use of tobacco, but they find it hard to stop. That makes them wonder if there are any tobacco products they can use that pose fewer health risks.
They wonder if there is something they can use that will not hurt their teeth and gums. The answers are not always what they want to hear.
Tobacco Is Dangerous
The bottom line when it comes to tobacco is that it carries health risks for the teeth and gums. Tobacco will affect people in different ways. There are some people that chew tobacco for many years without developing any problems. There are others that only use it occasionally and end up with gum disease. For most people the amount of damage to the gums depends on the type of tobacco used and the frequency that people use it.
Whether a person smokes cigarettes, cigars, pipes or uses smokeless tobacco products, they are likely to develop at least some problems with the teeth and gums. These problems range from discoloration to bleeding gums, to gum disease, and to cancer.
Tobacco Replacement Products
Many people are turning to alternatives to tobacco. Nicotine gum and e-cigarettes can replace tobacco, but people wonder if they are better or worse for the teeth and gums. The thought is since they do not contain tobacco, they will not cause health problems for the teeth and gums. Although they do not contain tobacco, they still contain nicotine. The nicotine can cause health problems, including receding gums and gum disease. The dangers depend on how much a person uses and how often they use the replacement products
The answer to the question of whether there is any type of tobacco that does not hurt the gums is a resounding no. There are products that may cause less damage, but they will still cause some problems. For more information about how tobacco affects oral health, contact our health professionals who will provide you with the information you need.
