Don’t Let Tobacco Take Your Breath Away
Every year on May 31st, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day. It provides the opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.
This year the focus is on lung health and the negative impact that tobacco has on people’s lungs from cancer to chronic respiratory disease.
Tobacco smoking is the primary cause for lung cancer, and the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (1)
You know smoking is bad for your overall health, so it should be no surprise that cigarettes and chewing tobacco are also harmful to your oral health. (2)
Here are just a few results of the negative impact smoking and all other tobacco products can have on your oral health:
- bad breath
- stained teeth and tongue
- dulled sense of taste and smell
- slow healing after a tooth extraction or other surgery
- gum disease
- oral cancer
Quitting is the only way to decrease your risk of these and other tobacco-related health problems. The addictive quality of nicotine can make this especially difficult. That’s why it is important to have a plan and support network in place.
Tobacco kills. Make every day No Tobacco Day!
(2) American Dental Association
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