Chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow to the gums, so gum disease progresses quietly. Betel nut and chewing tobacco cause long-term damage to the lining of the mouth.
How tobacco and betel harm you
- Brown-black stains and bad breath
- Higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss
- Slower healing after extractions or implants
- White or red patches that can be pre-cancerous
Tips for quitting
- Pick a quit date and plan for it
- Identify your triggers and avoid them
- Ask family and friends for support
- Get help from a doctor if you need it
What you gain by quitting
Soon after quitting, blood flow to the gums improves and treatment works better. The risk of oral cancer also falls over time.
When to see a dentist
See a doctor promptly about any sore, white or red patch in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks.