Diseases caused by Tobaco

Some people have the habit of chewing tobacco frequently, while most people  practice tobacco smoking. Both the forms of tobacco use cause many dangerous health problems. In the United States, the use of tobacco  accounts for one in five deaths from lung cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. It’s not less in India either. It could also be more.

Cardiovascular diseases

The smoking facts reveal that tobacco smoke increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It consists of a high amount of carbon monoxide, which decreases the level of oxygen in the blood. The vital organs like brain, heart and lungs are deprived of sufficient oxygen, which affects their functioning. People addicted to smoking are at a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, aortic aneurysm, blood clots, haemorrhages and other cardiovascular diseases. Cigarette smoking increases the levels of triglycerides and clotting factors and reduces the levels of HDL cholesterol in the blood, leading to coronary heart diseases, stroke, cerebrovascular diseases and atherosclerotic peripheral vascular diseases.

Respiratory diseases

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death by cancer in many countries. Cigarette smoking has been linked to about 90 percent of all lung cancer cases. As a matter of fact, the earlier one begins smoking and the higher the number  of cigarettes one smokes, the higher  the changes of getting lung cancer. In addition to lung cancer, smoking also increases the risk of cancer  or other body  organs like mouth, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, kidneys, bladder and cervix. Chronic obstructive  pulmonary diseases (COPD) such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema can also result from smoking and it has been found to exacerbate asthma symptoms in adults and children. Some other diseases  caused by tobacco are peptic ulcers, asthma, pneumonia, diabetes, cataracts, acute myeloid leukaemia, chest infections, tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetic retinopathy. Due to smoking, the level of vitamin A in the body is reduced, which can lead to early ageing.

Oral diseases caused by tobacco

Chewing tobacco increases the risk of oral health problems such  as periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, candidiasis, oral lesions, oral leukoplakia, gingivitis, brown staining and sticky tar deposits in teeth, tooth delay, tooth abrasion, altered taste and bad breath. Besides, cancers of the mouth are the most disastrous effects  of smoking. Smoking is associated with cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, pharyns, larynx, and oesophagus or the throat. If we consider all the types of cancers together, the percentage of people developing cancers due to smoking is as high as thirty percent. Smoking  or use of tobacco  also leads to cancer of the stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney and urethra. These are a frightening pack of diseases which should restrain people from using of tobacco in any form.

Throat cancer is the major oral health problem caused by tobacco. The throat  is a muscular tube that begins  just behind the nose  and runs down  to the neck. When there is  growth of malignant tumour in any part of this tube, it is referred to as  throat cancer.  Throat cancer  causes abnormal multiplication of cells  inside the throat  which results in the formation of a lump. It mainly affects the  food pipe or oesophagus, voice box or larynx, or the cells of the lining of the throat, thyroid glands etc. Tobacco  in any form – be it smoking or chewing –  is one  of the biggest causes of throat cancer. Smoking is  so hazardous that even passive smokers may get throat cancer. The chances of getting throat cancer  have been found to be more in men than in women.

Those who are into excessive drinking of alcohol are at the risk of throat cancer. When smokers drink heavily, then the risk is even higher.

The overall rates of death from cancer are twice as high among smokers as among  non-smokers, with heavy smokers having rates that are four times greater than those of non-smokers. Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of cancer in the world. 

Leave Tobaco - Live Life

Tobacco remains one of the most important preventable causes of addiction, sickness and mortality in the world. The development of potentially malignant oral lesions as well as various other undesirable conditions is the direct result of tobacco use, yet, on the whole, knowledge of these implications amongst the general public is very limited.

This is a worrying situation that requires  urgent attention given  that the mortality  rates associated with oral  cancers are high and that the main causes of them are directly attributed to lifestyle habits such as smoking, betel quid chewing and excessive alcohol consumption.

With early diagnosis, cancer treatment is straightforward, survival rates high and many of the associated side-effects,s such as severe gingivitis, are non-permanent and improve over time. The habit of smoking and chewing of tobacco  products has a number of well documented side-effects on the oral cavity. These cover  a range of implications from those that alter a person’s appearance to others that are potentially fatal.

Tobacco use is a global healthcare problem. Repetitive exposure to nicotine produces neuroadaptation resulting in nicotine dependence. Smoking is associated with a range of diseases, causing high levels of morbidity and mortality and is one of the leading causes  of preventable deaths. With more than 4.6 million smokers worldwide dying each year from smoking related illnesses stopping smoking has major health benefits. Quitting at any age provides both short and long term benefits.

How enamel protects your teeth.

Enamel is a kind of external protection to the teeth. It covers the teeth like the shell of an egg: it protects the softer, more vulnerable part of the tooth inside.

But unlike an eggshell, the thin layer of enamel is tough. In fact, it is the hardest and most mineralized substance in our bodies and, with dentin, cementum, and dental pulp, is one of the four major tissues which make up the tooth. It’s amazing that it can withstand decades of biting, chewing and crunching – with some luck and good dental care. This protective  material ranges up from approximately 2.5 – 3.0 millimeters in thickness. Its thickness  varies typically over the biting surface of the tooth. It is often thickest at the cusp, and thinnest at its border. The large  amount of minerals in enamel accounts not only its strength  but also for its brittleness. Ninety-six percent of enamel consists of mineral, with water and organic material making up the rest.

Damage to enamel, or tooth  erosion as is known in dental parlance, usually shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away of the tooth surface and biting edges. This can expose the dentine underneath, which is a darker, yellower colour than the enamel. Because  the dentine is sensitive your teeth can also be more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

What are the problems asssociated with poor Oral Health?

Besides Gingivitis and Periodontitis, following problems are generally associated with poor oral health

Bad breath: Bad breath is an unpleasant  ailment. It is also called halitosis in dental  or medical terminology.  

Burning mouth: People sometimes feel a burning sensation in the mouth  or tongue. It is  most common n women experiencing  menopause.

Canker sores: These sores are small ulcers inside the mouth. They have a white or gray  base and a red border. 

Dry mouth: Dry mouth is  a condition caused due to lack of secretion of  saliva. It is  called xerostomia. This problem happens when you don’t have enough  saliva, or spit, in your mouth.

Oral cancer: This cancer  can affect any part of the mouth and part of the throat. If you smoke  or chew tobacco, you are at higher risk. Excessive  alcohol use along with smoking raises your risk even more. However, persons who do not smoke can also develop  oral cancer.

Oral cancer most often occurs after age 40. It is  not always painful and, as a result, it may go undetected until  the late stages. Ask your dentists to check for signs of oral cancer during your regular check-up. Oral  cancer often starts as a tiny white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. Other signs include:

·                     A sore that bleeds easily  or does not heal

·                     A colour  change in the tissues of the mouth

·                     A lump, rough  spot, or other change

·                     Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips

·                     Problems chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue

·                     A change in the way the teeth fit together

Early detection and treatment enables the victim to survive. Self examination by patients can also help  detect any suspected cancerous lesions  which can be brought to the doctor’s notice.

Thrush: Thrush is a fungal infection. It is also called oral candidiasis. These fungal infections appear  as red, yellow, or white lesions, flat or slightly raised, in the mouth or throat.

What is Oral Health?

What is oral health?

The word “oral” refers to  the mouth, which includes  your teeth, gums, jawbone, and supporting  tissues. Taking good care  of your oral  health can prevent disease in your mouth. Oral health  can affect the health  of your entire body. Good oral health does not just mean you have pretty or sparkling teeth. Your whole mouth needs  care to be in good health. 

What are the most common oral health problems ?

The most common oral health  problems are cavities  and gum disease.

Cavities

We are all at risk for tooth decay, or cavities. Cavities are small holes that appear on your teeth. They may appear as a black or brown spot on the tooth. Bacteria (germs) that naturally live in our mouths use sugar in food  to make acids. Over time, the acids destroy the outside layer of your teeth. Then cavities  and other tooth damage occur.

Gum diseases

Gum diseases  are infections  caused by bacteria, along with mucus and other particles that form a sticky  plaque on your teeth. Plaque  that is left on teeth  hardens over time  and forms tartar. The mild  form  of gum  disease is called gingivitis. It causes  red, swollen gums. It can also  make the gums bleed easily. Gingivitis can be caused by plaque build-up. And the longer plaque  and tartar remain  on the teeth, the more  hark they can  do. Most gingivitis  can be treated with daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings at the dental clinic.

This form  of gum disease does not lead to loss of bone or tissue around the  teeth. But if it is not treated promptly,  it can advance to periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease. If this happens, then the gums pull away from the teeth and form  infected “pockets.” There are also chances that you may also  lose the supporting bone. If you suffer from periodontitis, you must see your dentist for treatment. Failure to do would result in your teeth getting loosened over time and may have to be removed.

Prevention of tooth decay

1.         Avoid  having sugar in the mouth for long periods of time.

2.         Stay away from sucking candies and chewing gum containing sugar, and refrain from drinking soft drinks regularly (unless sugar-free).

3.         Try to cut down on the number of snacks  per day. If snacking is necessary, substitute foods that don’t promote tooth delay. Examples are popcorn, pretzels, fruits, nuts, cheese, and vegetables.

4.         If you must consume sugary foods, do so with a meal or for dessert. Increased  saliva flow during meals helps to wash the food away. Also, many people  brush their after meals. It’s better to eat sweets at a time  and place that allows  you to brush teeth soon afterward. 

Gum disease is extremely common and is often unrecognized because  it rarely causes pain. It is caused by dental plaque and when allowed to progress gum disease  can lead to the teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out. Smokers are far more likely to suffer from gum disease, as are people with diseases such as diabetes.