Tobacco and Gum Disease
As you already know, tobacco use can cause cancer, and increase your risk for heart disease but you might not know that it is the single largest risk factor for developing periodontal disease. Research shows that smokers are three times more likely to lose teeth due to periodontal diseases than nonsmokers. These odds get even worse if you are a smoker and are genetically sensitive to periodontal disease.

Smokeless tobacco users are more likely to experience gum and bone recession leading to tooth loss. Even more devastating is the fact that your chances of developing oral cancer increases with smokeless tobacco use.

In addition to that, periodontal therapy is less effective in smokers. Pockets tend to reform more easily after treatment, and regenerative therapy (bone and gum grafts) is not as predictable in smokers.

Quitting takes commitment - and it is usually easier if you have help. To begin a tobacco-cessation program, talk to your physician.