Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco products are bad for your health and for your teeth. Negative effects of cigarette smoking include cardiovascular disease, increased risk for both oral and lung cancer, gum disease resulting in tooth loss, stained teeth and bad breath.

The long-term safety of e-cigarettes is not yet established, although initial data indicates that e-cigarette vapour damages cells and lowers certain enzymes important in maintaining tissue health and preventing cancer. E-cigarettes also increase the risk of seizure, tachycardia, disorientation, airway resistance, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and second-degree burns from faulty devices.

Smoking and vaping can lower salivary output over time. Saliva is required to counteract the effects of acid in food and drinks. As a result, some heavy smokers and vapers can still get decay even if they are brushing well.

What you can do: Quitting smoking is the best way to decrease your risk. Visit QuitNow BC for help; it is British Columbia’s tobacco and nicotine cessation program, funded by the Ministry of Health and offered free to BC residents aged 10 and up through the BC Lung Foundation. The BC Healthy Living Alliance also has information and helpful resources.