Smoking is the biggest culprit for oral cancer! The risk is 8 times higher!

Green Crescent Week, celebrated in the first week of March, is a week aimed at raising awareness about addictions. Various events are organized during this week to address the individual and social effects of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. This year, tobacco use, which poses a major threat to oral health, was also brought to the agenda during Green Crescent Week. Prof. Dr. Özlem Özer Yücel, Head of the Department of Periodontology at Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Dentistry, emphasized that smoking leads to serious health problems such as tooth loss, gum disease, and oral cancer.

HOW DOES TOBACCO USE AFFECT ORAL HEALTH?

Tobacco use damages the tissues inside the mouth, causing many health problems. Prof. Dr. Özlem Özer Yücel stated that smoking weakens the immune system and negatively affects the body's defense mechanism against gum infections. Stating that periodontal diseases start at an earlier age and progress faster in individuals who smoke, Yücel said that this situation increases the risk of tooth loss.

GUM DISEASE AND THE RISK OF TOOTH LOSS

Regarding gum disease and tooth loss, Prof. Dr. Yücel said: "Tobacco increases plaque accumulation in the mouth, leads to inflammation in the gums, and is one of the most important factors causing tooth loss. Individuals who smoke have more tooth loss. Furthermore, smoking also has negative effects on the healing process of dental treatments." Pointing out that tooth loss is more common in individuals who use tobacco, Yücel stated that smoking also negatively affects the healing process of dental treatments.

ORAL CANCER RISK AND THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Prof. Dr. Özlem Özer Yücel stated that tobacco use is one of the most important risk factors for oral cancer and said the following:

"The toxic and carcinogenic substances it contains cause cellular damage in oral tissues, increasing the risk of cancer development. The risk of oral cancer in individuals who smoke is approximately 8 times higher than in non-smokers. Since the healing process is also slowed down in individuals who smoke, early diagnosis and regular dental check-ups are of vital importance."

HOW DOES DENTAL HEALTH IMPROVE WHEN SMOKING IS QUIT?

Emphasizing the importance of quitting tobacco use for oral and dental health, Prof. Dr. Özlem Özer Yücel said, "Quitting smoking can stop the progression of gum disease and significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss. In addition, regular dental check-ups, paying attention to oral hygiene, and a healthy diet also play an important role in protecting gum health."

'A HEALTHY MOUTH IS THE FOUNDATION OF A HEALTHY LIFE'

Staying away from tobacco and other harmful substances positively affects not only dental health but all body systems. Prof. Dr. Özlem Özer Yücel drew attention to the importance of raising awareness about the harms of tobacco use during Green Crescent Week, saying, "A healthy mouth is the foundation of a healthy life."