18/06/2025
JUNE IS NO SMOKING MONTH SA DOH CALENDAR!
Alamin!
🔥 Smoking-Related Oral Diseases
1. Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Description: Chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Effect of Smoking: Smoking impairs blood flow to the gums, increases plaque and tartar buildup, and suppresses immune response, making smokers up to 2–6 times more likely to develop periodontitis.
2. Oral Cancer
Description: Includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat.
Effect of Smoking: To***co use is the leading cause of oral cancers. Risk increases dramatically with duration and intensity of smoking.
3. Leukoplakia
Description: White or gray patches in the mouth, often precancerous.
Effect of Smoking: Common in smokers; often found on the cheeks, gums, and tongue.
4. Smoker’s Melanosis
Description: Increased pigmentation of the oral mucosa.
Effect of Smoking: Seen especially in long-term smokers; pigmentation typically occurs on the gums and cheeks.
5. Ni****ne Stomatitis
Description: Inflammation of the mouth’s soft tissues, particularly the palate, caused by heat and smoke.
Effect of Smoking: Common in pipe and cigar smokers; appears as white patches with red dots on the hard palate.
6. Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Effect of Smoking: To***co dries out the mouth and leaves chemicals that cause persistent bad odor.
7. Dental Caries (Cavities)
Effect of Smoking: Smoking can reduce saliva flow and change its composition, increasing cavity risk.
8. Tooth Discoloration and Staining
Effect of Smoking: Ni****ne and tar cause yellow or brown stains on enamel.
9. Impaired Wound Healing
Description: Slower healing of oral surgeries or injuries (e.g., after tooth extraction).
Effect of Smoking: Ni****ne reduces oxygen and blood supply, delaying tissue regeneration.
10. Black Hairy Tongue
Description: A harmless condition where the tongue appears dark and furry.
Effect of Smoking: Smoking promotes keratin buildup and bacterial growth.
11. Increased Risk of Implant Failure
Effect of Smoking: Smokers are at higher risk of dental implant failure due to poor bone integration and healing.
12. Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)
Description: Fungal infection caused by Candida albicans.
Effect of Smoking: Smoking disrupts the oral microbiome, favoring fungal overgrowth.
