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If you quit smoking now, you will not only improve the health of
your heart and lungs, but you will also start developing healthier
teeth and gums and a brighter smile.
Cutting tobacco products out of your life - cigarettes, cigars or
smokeless tobacco - is the first step in protecting
yourself against the possibility of oral cancers. Smoking cigarettes
or cigars not only harm your heart and lungs, they damage your gum
tissue causing it to recede; leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay.
If you use tobacco products, the American Dental Association advises that
you keep an eye out for these early signs that could indicate oral cancer:
- Any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning or a sore
that will not heal
- Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
- Development of a lump, or a leathery, wrinkled or bumpy patch
inside your mouth
- Color changes to your soft oral tissues (gray, red or white
spots or patches), rather than a healthy pink color
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or
tongue
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together
See your dentist or physician if you notice any of these changes.
According to Dr. Gary Martin, an Air Force Colonel, dentist and TRICARE
Dental Care Division director, oral cancer is a disease that takes a tremendous
toll on its victims. "The sad thing is the survival rate for oral
cancer is very low," he said. "Surgery to remove the cancer
is often disfiguring and your five-year survival rate is poor."
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