Tobacco in any form harms the mouth. In India, smokeless forms such as gutka, khaini and tobacco paan are especially common, and they are strongly linked to oral cancer.
Effects on teeth and gums
- Brown or black stains and heavy tartar. See why teeth get stained.
- Bad breath and dulled taste
- More severe gum disease and tooth loss. See gum disease stages.
- Slower healing after extractions and surgery, with a higher risk of dry socket
- Higher failure rates for dental implants
- Gum recession where tobacco is held in the cheek
Oral cancer: the warning signs
Oral cancer can start without pain. See a dentist or doctor promptly if you notice:
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal within two weeks
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- A lump or thickening in the cheek, tongue or neck
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Numbness in the mouth, lip or tongue
- Difficulty or pain when chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue
- Increasing difficulty opening the mouth, or a burning sensation with spicy food (a sign of submucous fibrosis)
- A tooth that becomes loose for no clear reason
Most of these changes turn out not to be cancer, but they must be checked. The earlier cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Why regular check-ups help
Every dental examination includes a visual check of the tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth and throat. If you use tobacco, areca nut or alcohol, come regularly, and do not wait for pain.
Quitting
It is never too late. Within weeks, gums and breath improve, and over years cancer risk falls. Ask your doctor or dentist about support, medicines and counselling, and consider national quitline services. Tell us if you use tobacco so we can tailor your care in general dentistry and gum care.