A patient talking with a team member in the chair during a dental exam visit at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death, and among the most preventable. The American Dental Association (ADA) and all pediatric dentists encourage children, adolescents and adults to avoid every form of tobacco.

Why tobacco harms your mouth

Smoking can cause oral cancer, dull smell and taste, slow recovery after oral surgery, stain teeth, and raise the risk of periodontal disease. Almost all adult smokers tried smoking before age nineteen, and someone who avoids it through their teens will most likely never start, so parents should strongly discourage tobacco use before and during adolescence.

Dr. Acosta reviewing a patient chart with her team at Broadway Dentistry, a general dentistry office in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Is smokeless tobacco less dangerous for teens?

No. Every form of tobacco puts carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in direct contact with the mouth, causing irreparable damage. Smokeless tobacco actually delivers a greater concentration of harmful agents and is far more addictive: one snuff has about the same nicotine as sixty cigarettes. It also causes leukoplakias, dangerous pre-cancerous lesions in the mouth.

Dr. Denise Acosta and a team member laughing with a young patient in a treatment room at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, where fillings and crowns are done

Signs of oral cancer

Oral cancer can be hard to detect without a dentist, and may not be noticeable or painful until its later stages. Parents of tobacco users should watch for:

Oral cancer is treatable if caught early. Avoiding tobacco and regular preventative dental checkups help a child avoid disfiguring surgery.

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Changes in how the teeth fit together
Difficulty moving the jaw
Mouth sores that don’t heal
Numbness or tenderness
Red or white spots on the cheek, lip or tongue

A smiling patient in the chair at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, which offers cosmetic dentistry and whitening

How can I stop my child from using tobacco?

Talk to your child about the dangers of tobacco, or ask the dentist to; this has proven effective. Lead by example: children of non-smokers are less likely to start. Monitor your child closely, and if they won’t cooperate, you can request a tobacco screening at the dental office. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s tobacco use, please Contact Us.