Tobacco Use and Oral Health You’re probably aware that tobacco use comes with health risks, but did you know this includes damage to your mouth? Using any kind of tobacco product (including vaping) can harm your oral health, which is a crucial component of mission readiness. Why Is Oral Health Important? Oral health is the state of your mouth, teeth and gums. Since it’s linked to overall well-being, taking care of your oral health contributes to your success as a Warfighter. For example, imagine you have a painful cavity that makes it hard to eat or work. This would likely impact your operational performance until you’re able to get treatment. Learn more about oral health. How Does Tobacco Harm Oral Health? Mouth IrritationMouth IrritationTobacco use causes inflammation in the mouth, which can be uncomfortable. Smoking and vaping are associated with mouth dryness, burning and ulcers. Those who use smokeless tobacco may notice white or red patches inside their mouths, which can become cancerous. Tooth DecayTooth DecayUsing any type of tobacco product increases your risk of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities. Without treatment, cavities can result in serious infection and tooth loss. Adults who smoke cigarettes are twice as likely to have untreated cavities than those who are smoke-free. Gum DiseaseGum DiseaseTobacco use, no matter the type, contributes to gum disease. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, which increases the risk of inflammation and infection. Left untreated, gum disease can cause pain, tooth loss and other serious health conditions. CancerCancerUsing tobacco products raises your risk of oral cancers, which are those that develop in the mouth or back of the throat. Those who smoke or use smokeless tobacco are also at higher risk for other head and neck cancers. What If I Decide to Quit? Quitting tobacco products can be tough, but your mouth (and body) will thank you. As soon as you stop tobacco use, your oral health will improve. The inflammation in your mouth will start to heal and your teeth will likely look whiter. Five years after quitting, your risk of oral cancers is cut in half. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is recommended to safely stop tobacco use and help prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. NRT includes several FDA-approved products that help relieve the physical withdrawal symptoms of quitting tobacco. For additional support, check out the How to Build a Quit Plan webpage or try the Tobacco Free Challenge. Using tobacco products threatens your oral health and mission readiness. You can protect your mouth, and the rest of your body, by quitting tobacco. If you decide to quit, reach out to your health care team, command leadership and/or chaplain for guidance. Additional ResourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “Oral Health Tips for Adults”DVIDS - “Dental Health is Mission Critical”TRICARE - “TRICARE Dental Program”ReferencesAmerican Heart Association - “Need another reason not to vape? Your oral health is at risk.”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “Tobacco Use and Oral Health Facts”U.S. Food and Drug Administration - “How Tobacco Use Affects Oral Health”Warfighter Wellness - “How a Healthy Smile Protects Your Heart”
