Tobacco and Alcohol: Doom of Dentistry
TOBACCO
Tobacco use in any form, whether smoking or chewing, can have devastating effects on our oral health, leading to various diseases and conditions, including oral cancer. Here are a few reasons why we should avoid tobacco consumption and its harmful effects on our oral health.
Carcinogenic compounds: Tobacco contains over 70 known carcinogens, which can cause DNA damage and increase the risk of oral cancer. Chewing tobacco also contains cancer-causing agents such as nitrosamines and formaldehyde, which are absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
Tobacco stains: Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause yellow and brown stains on the teeth, making them appear unsightly and affecting the appearance of our smile. This can lead to decreased confidence and self-esteem.
Tooth loss: The use of smokeless tobacco has been linked to tooth loss, receding gums, and the formation of ulcers and sores in the mouth. This can cause significant discomfort and affect our ability to eat and speak.
Bad breath: Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to bad breath and leave a noticeable odor on the clothing and skin. This can affect our personal and professional relationships and cause embarrassment.
Increased risk of other oral health problems: Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems. It also weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and other oral health problems.
In conclusion, the use of tobacco in any form is harmful to our oral health and increases the risk of oral cancer and other oral health problems. It's essential to quit tobacco use and adopt healthy lifestyle choices to protect our oral health. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about available resources and support.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for oral cancer. Here's how alcohol can contribute to the development of oral cancer:
Metabolic breakdown: Alcohol is metabolized by the body into acetaldehyde, which is a carcinogenic substance that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.
Inflammation: Alcohol can cause inflammation in the mouth, which can damage cells and increase the risk of oral cancer.
Vitamin deficiencies: Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins, such as folate and vitamins B6 and B12, which are important for maintaining healthy cells and reducing the risk of cancer.
Smoking: Alcohol consumption is often associated with smoking, and the combination of alcohol and tobacco use increases the risk of oral cancer even further.
Reduced immunity: Alcohol can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and other health problems, including oral cancer.
It's important to note that even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of oral cancer, and the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. To reduce the risk of oral cancer, it's recommended to limit alcohol consumption, avoid tobacco use, and maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
In summary, alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancer, and heavy drinking can increase the risk even further. Reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of oral cancer and improve overall health.
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Written and Researched by,
Dr. Kanan Shah
CEO and Co-founder,
The Tooth Factory.
Evidence Based Dentistry
1.) Jiang X, Wu J, Wang J, Huang R. Tobacco and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A review of carcinogenic pathways. Tob Induc Dis. 2019 Apr 12;17:29. doi: 10.18332/tid/105844. PMID: 31582940; PMCID: PMC6752112.
2.) Rumgay H, Murphy N, Ferrari P, Soerjomataram I. Alcohol and Cancer: Epidemiology and Biological Mechanisms. Nutrients. 2021 Sep 11;13(9):3173. doi: 10.3390/nu13093173. PMID: 34579050; PMCID: PMC8470184.
