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19 years
Is there any way to smoke healthily? And which is worse for health a water pipe or a cigarette? Thank you
Oct 10, 2013
2nd opinion

Dr. Rita Mouawie Dentistry
Well you can't ask doctors about how to smoke healthily although it's a good start for awareness.

You know aside from the superficial effects of smoking on your teeth (which are: discoloration and staining, foul breath, mediocre hygiene) smoking affects the gum surrounding the teeth and bone. Because what you smoke passes over your teeth and through your gums, your mouth is nicotine central -- in a very bad way. which might lead to other periodontal diseases and a lapse of time in the healing process.

however if quitting is not an option "yet", here are some tips for you:

1- Smoking tobacco in any form poses some risk, so it makes sense to smoke moderately.
2- Never smoke when you have sores, lesions or ulcers anywhere in the mouth or on your lips. Smoking tobacco when you do can slow down the natural healing process
3- Avoid keeping your pipe/cigarette in one position. Move the pipe/cigarette about as much as possible. The pressure and heat of the stem of the pipe on one particular part of your lip can lead to lip cancer.
4- There is some medical evidence to suggest that those who are both smokers and heavy drinkers are much more likely to develop oral cancers through the effect of the alcohol and tobacco smoke "pooling" together in their saliva. Therefore, it may be more sensible not to smoke and drink at the same time.
5- Avoid using harsh mouthwashes, especially those containing alcohol - most do. These irritate the mouth's tissues and the alcohol content is of concern in a smoker. A much more soothing and harmless mouthwash can be made from a teaspoon of kitchen salt dissolved in a glass or warm (not hot) water, with which you rinse and gargle thoroughly, especially just before going to bed.
6- Try to smoke gently, not hurriedly or nervously. thus making the smoke less irritating
7- Ensure good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth gently, but thoroughly, three times a day, and don't forget to floss your gums. Tongue brushing (very gently) may also be help
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Thank
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