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Smoking and oral health
While smokers breath and staining of teeth are the obvious consequences of smoking, it can also cause major dental and oral problems.
Smoking greatly increases the risk of gum disease. Smoking reduces the blood flow to the oral tissues and gums, hence lowering the resistance to plaque bacteria. This increases the irritant effect on the gums and the risk of gum disease. It also reduces the signs of gum disease so the problem often goes undetected until the advanced stages.
3% of male and 2% of female cancer sufferers have oral cancer. Smoking is a major cause of oral cancers. Chewing of tobacco or betel nuts also cause oral cancer. Any prolonged ulcers or lumps in the mouth should be checked by a dentist.
The type and appearance of oral cancers varies greatly. Common sites for oral cancer include the lips, side of the tongue, and the floor of the mouth.
Content provided by Leanne Coombe, Education Officer, Centre for Rural and Remote Oral Health, July 2002
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