According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other forms of tobacco cause oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
- Use of smokeless tobacco is associated with increased risks of oral cancer and can cause white or gray patches inside the mouth.
- Untreated tooth decay is higher in people who smoke cigarettes.
- Diabetes, tobacco use, a weakened immune system, and poor oral hygiene all increase a person’s risk for gum disease.