HEALTH
TAKE A TRIP WITH TOXINS story and photos by Jessica Curbelo
If Dr. Scott Tomar had to wager a bet, he would say most adults have smoked a cigarette. Once someone smokes a whole pack, their odds of becoming a regular smoker spikes dramatically, he said. And so do their odds of developing health issues. Tomar, a University of Florida dentistry professor who researches the effects of tobacco, followed the path of tobacco through the body to highlight effects regular smokers might experience.
“There's no other consumer product in the world that comes remotely close to the negative impact that smoking has.”
MOUTH
Most know about stained teeth, but Tomar said it’s the least of
people’s worries. Smoking is the major cause of periodontitis, an inflammation of dental structures. Smokers will likely see symptoms before any other smoking-related illnesses appear. The gums and bone support deteriorate — and once it’s gone, it’s usually gone for good. Without healthy support, teeth become loose and develop infections, risking eventual tooth loss. Tomar said smokers have more difficulties with dental implants and other replacement methods. However, quitting can prevent further damage.
THROAT
Down the throat carcinogens go, triggering chronic inflammation.
That smoker’s cough you’ve heard about? That’s one sign. If caught early, smokers can quit and improve symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. But it’s in carcinogens' nature to damage DNA. Tumors can form, and smokers are at an increased risk for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers. “When you get to that stage, quitting smoking is not going to reverse that kind of cellular-level damage,” Tomar said. “It needs some type of intervention, either surgical or otherwise.”
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