Tobacco causes multiple serious and even terminal ailments to the body including Jaw Tumour. May 31st is marked as World “No Tobacco Day” by the World Health Organization. This day is used to create awareness about the ill effects of tobacco amongst the general population everywhere.
Dr Vikram Pandit (MDS – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon) of Pandit Clinic, Pune who has treated multiple cases of Jaw Tumour will be addressing the issues caused by tobacco use and the risk of oral cancer due to regular consumption of tobacco and products containing tobacco.
What Is Tobacco?
Tobacco is a commonly given name to more than 70 species of plants which are made up of mainly stimulant alkaloid nicotine as well as harmala alkaloids. Both alkaloid nicotine and harmala alkaloids are very addictive and give the human brain an artificial high.
Tobacco is found in cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs and is also available for direct chewing in the form of gutka and mishri. Unfortunately, there is a new addition to this list in the form of “e-cigarettes”. The youth of today is addicted to e-cigarettes and it is popularly known as “vaping”. E-cigarettes create a similar vapor of harmful chemicals like a traditional cigarette and the user inhales toxic chemicals.
Tobacco is a leading cause for different types of cancers and health hazard to vital organs like the lungs, mouth and liver.
Although tobacco is very harmful and even leads to fatal diseases it is not completely banned in most countries around the world including India. Hence, it is important to create awareness about the ill-effects of tobacco through events such as the World No Tobacco Day.
What Are The Six Different Types Of Tobacco?
The six different types of tobbaco products widely consumed in the world and extremely harmful for health are:
- Bidis
- Cigarrettes
- Cigars
- Dip/Dissolvable Tobacco
- E-Cigarrette
- Hookah
What Are The Biggest Risks Of Consuming Tobacco?
- Tobacco is a leading cause of cancer in the:
- Mouth
- Larynx (voice box)
- Pharynx (throat)
- Esophagus (swallowing tube)
- Lungs
- Kidney
- Cervix
- Liver
- Bladder
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Colon/rectum
- Myeloid leukaemia
What Are The Biggest Side Effects Of Tobacco?
Apart from cancer which could end up being fatal, there are other side effects of tobacco too.
- Tobacco also causes Chronic bronchitis which is also commonly termed as “Smoker’s Cough”
- Emphysema – this is a medical condition which deteriorates a persons ability to breathe over time.
- Damage to the heart and blood vessels.
- It also causes damage to the reproductive organs in both men and women.
- Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum diseases and tooth loss.
- Tobacco users have poor oral health and exhibit signs of bad breath and stained teeth.
- It causes loss to the vision by accelerating macular degeneration.
Pandit Clinic, Pune strongly advises everyone to completely stop consumption of tobacco whether in the form of gutka, bidi or cigarettes
What Are The Biggest Advantages Of Quitting Tobacco Consumption?
Following are the advantages of giving up tobacco consumption:
- Long Healthy Life
Truly the biggest benefit of quitting tobacco consumption or smoking is living a long, healthy life. Tobacco consumption being extremely harmful shortens the lifespan by exposing the user to cancer and other health problems. When tobacco consumption is stopped then the body restores health and the quality of life increases over time.
- Better Results With Medical Treatments
Tobacco consumption interferes with the body’s ability to heal and may slow down most medical treatments. When the user quits tobacco, the results of medical treatments of any kind have a better result.
- Lower Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment
If a tobacco user is undergoing radiation therapy or other cancer-related treatment and he/she quits the usage of tobacco then they have lower side-effects from the cancer treatment and increased chances of success in the treatment.
- Low Risk Of Cancers
Consumption of tobacco increases the risk of getting different types of cancer. But when you quit tobacco you immediately lower the risk of getting cancer.
- Lowers The Risk Of Infection
Quitting tobacco increases the immunity of the person, makes them healthier and accelerates their body’s response to germs, bacteria and viruses. Thus leading to lower chances of catching an infection.
- Improved Respiratory System
When tobacco is consumed in the form of cigarettes, cigars, pipe or hookah it has a terrible impact on the user’s respiratory system. It severely damages the lungs, the heart and the blood vessels. Stopping tobacco consumption improves the respiratory system, lets you breathe easier and better. It allows you to go for long runs, treks or even carry out your daily activities without gasping for breath.
- Happy Family
At the end of the day, the people you love the most want you to be healthy and happy. Did you know that passive smoking is actually very harmful to your loved ones?
Passive smoking means inhaling the smoke generated by a smoker in close vicinity of non-smokers. Passive smoking has led to many cases of cancer even though the person has never been addicted to tobacco or tobacco products. Hence, when you smoke you also endanger the lives of your loved ones.
When you quit tobacco and become a more energetic, positive person, free from serious medical risks your family will be the happiest! And you can pat yourself on the back for keeping them safe from passive smoke too.
You Might Be Interested In
The Dangers Of Sleep Apnea And How It Can Affect Your Health
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? A common condition known as sleep apnea causes breathing to stop for 10 seconds or longer at random times while
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Dental Implants: A Guide to Post-Implant Care
Dental implants are a remarkable solution for replacing missing teeth, offering stability, functionality, and aesthetics akin to natural teeth. However, the journey to enjoying your
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Call us +91 88059 80048 Correction in jaw irregularities, and realignment of the jaws with teeth Home Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Corrective Jaw Surgery RESHAPING
Tooth Extractions
Call us +91 88059 80048 A minor surgical procedure that involves wisdom tooth removal, fractured tooth removal, or infected tooth removal Home Oral and Maxillofacial
