TOBACCO-INDUCED ORAL MUCOSAL MODIFICATIONS

Authors: Violeta Trandafir, Daniela Trandafir , D. Gogalniceanu, Eugenia Popescu, Carmen Vicol, V. Burlui

Abstract:

Tobacco use has systemic effects, extensively explored and reported, and local oral modifications, varying with different tobacco use habits, which have received little attention outside their potential for cancer. Doubtlessly, the most severe oral condition that can arise from tobacco use is that of oral cancer. Tobacco smoking also causes a variety of cancer forms, including cancers of the oesophagus, larynx and lungs. However, smoking also increases the risk for various other oral diseases, some of them almost completely and exclusively met in tobacco users. Half of the diagnosed periodontities are attributed to current or former smoking. Smokeless tobbaco causes gingival recession and white mucosal lesions (like leukoplakia). Smokers have significantly greater loss of alveolar bone than non-smokers. Smoking has also been proven to be an important factor in staining teeth. Halitosis is common with tobbaco smokers. Teeth loss has been shown to be higher in smokers than in non-smokers. In addition, smokers are more likely to have a lost of taste sensation or salivary changes. The purpose of the present article is to summarize current concepts on local oral modifications (malignant or non-malignant) in tobacco use.

Keywords:
  • oral cancer.
  • oral diseases
  • tobbaco use