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Bad breath in the mouth is caused by the
concentration of sulfur compounds in the breath. The strength of the
tobacco used is a determining factor in the degree of offensive odor.
The tobacco used in pipes and cigars is much more concentrated and
therefore causes stronger bad breath.
Smokers are also much more prone to
sinusitis and other ENT conditions which cause a post nasal drip which
drips down the back of the throat and is the ideal environment for
bacteria to thrive under as they feed on the proteins in the mucous
and release odor causing compounds.
Oral candidiasis or thrush is more likely to occur in heavy smokers
and alcoholics. Quitting smoking is known to positively affect the
mouth conditions in the patients suffering from oral candidiasis.
Chewing tobacco is worse than smoking for bad breath. Tobacco chewing
reduces the flow of saliva in the mouth causing the ideal conditions
for anaerobic bacteria which thrive under dry conditions devoid of
much oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria break down the proteins in the mouth
producing waste material called volatile sulfur compounds (VSC’s)
which cause the offensive odor. Tobacco chewing also causes the gums
to recede from the teeth causing deep pockets where the bacteria
multiply; this is basically how periodontal disease develops.
Most the conditions associated with smoking and tobacco usage are
preventable by quitting smoking and giving up tobacco usage. A lot of
the offensive side effects of smoking are reversible. Apart from bad
breath there many high risk conditions like oral infections and mouth
cancer associated with any form of tobacco usage. Quitting smoking or
tobacco chewing is a great way to take control of your health, breath
odor and appearance. |
