April is recognized as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and while many people know the risks associated with smoking tobacco, the team at our dental office in El Paso want to make sure our patients and neighbors know that just because smokeless tobacco is, well, smokeless, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own fair share of risks.

Oral Cancer

The most serious concern associated with smokeless tobacco use is oral cancer. Oral cancer is a serious disease that affects the lives of nearly 50,000 newly diagnosed people every year. If not caught early, oral cancer can lead to death. While anyone can get oral cancer, tobacco use (of any kind) is the top risk factor for developing the disease.

Know the Signs

Pain while swallowing, chewing, or speaking

Changes in voice

A white, scaly patch on the inside of the cheek or lip

A lump inside the mouth or neck

If you notice any of the signs above, contact your dentist in El Paso to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

Gum Recession

Chewing tobacco can also cause gums to recede, mostly because the tobacco (and everything else found in it) is left on the gums for prolonged periods of time which irritates the tissues. Once gums have receded, the tooth roots become exposed, and that’s when the problems start. Without the protection of the gums, the roots are at increased risk for sustaining damage from foods, drinks, and more tobacco. Not only does this make cavities more likely, it also tends to lead to tooth sensitivity, which can be pretty painful.

Tooth Discoloration

Thanks to the ingredients found in all forms of tobacco, specifically tar and nicotine, tobacco users tend to suffer from a yellow smile. The good news is this discoloration can be reversed through a professional smile whitening or cosmetic dentistry treatment like veneers. But if a patient continues to use tobacco after treatment, the teeth can be easily stained again.  

Regular visits to the dentist are important for everyone, but especially for tobacco users, smokeless or not. If you’re looking for a dentist, we welcome you to call our El Paso dental office to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help keep our patients healthy and we’re always happy to see new patients. Give us a call today.

Welcoming new patients from El Paso, Las Cruces, Cloudcroft and beyond. 

About The Author

Dr. David M. Rizk

Dr. David M. Rizk, recognized as the Best Dentist in America in 2004-2005, focuses on treating patients who have given up on their dental care. He is a member of several dental organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute. He obtained fellowship accreditation from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a fellow at the Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Rizk contributes to different dental journals, being an expert in his field.

Read The Full Bio