It is well known that smoking is bad for your health. Not only can smoking cause bad breath, but also increase your risk of oral cancer. The various chemicals and ingredients that make up a cigarette can cause damage to the teeth, throat, tongue, and other areas of the mouth. Fortunately, there are several ways to help a person quit.
The best way to lower your risk of cancer is to quit as soon as possible. However, we know that this is easer said than done. There are numerous methods to help individuals quit smoking, including nicotine patches, gum, prescribed medications, and even “e-cigarettes” (to wean a person off of actual cigarettes). Oftentimes, it isn’t until a patient complains of a toothache, red or dark patches inside the mouth, difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw, or feeling that something is stuck in the throat that he/she seeks treatment. As a cosmetic dentist dedicated to patient health, I am sure to thoroughly examine the patient’s oral health in order to catch any early signs of cancer.
If you think you may be experiencing signs of oral cancer, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. I encourage you to schedule an appointment at my Beverly Hills practice to learn more regarding ways to prevent oral cancer. Those in the Los Angeles area in search of a cosmetic dentist have often turned to my practice for their dental needs.