Kids are surrounded by temptations, including cigarettes and vapes. According to recent data, approximately 1.3 million American teenagers smoke, which can significantly affect their lung and heart health. Your family dentist may also start to notice signs of oral care problems stemming from this habit. The following guide explains these consequences in more depth and what to do if you suspect your child is smoking.

How Smoking Impacts Health

The tobacco in traditional cigarettes contains chemicals that increase a person's chances of cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung issues, and stroke. They also hinder a body's immune system, contributing to the development of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes. 

Those who smoke often notice the effects on their mouths first. In addition to giving people bad breath, the habit stains their teeth and makes it harder to taste food. Long-term, it can contribute to teeth falling out and oral cancer.

The most dangerous chemical in cigarettes is arguably nicotine, which induces a relaxed feeling and is addictive to the consumer. This substance is also sometimes found in vapes.

Vaping is a newer habit. As such, data on its health consequences is still coming in. However, despite being better for individuals than smoking, it still inflames lung tissue and increases the risk of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Heating the propylene glycol and glycerol in e-liquids releases the carcinogen formaldehyde. E-liquid components can also contribute to a dry mouth, making it more likely for bacteria and plaque to build up in your mouth. The nicotine then acts as a muscle stimulant, which encourages teeth grinding.

While choosing non-nicotine varieties can avoid some of these issues, several health issues will remain.

How to Help Your Child Quit

If your teen has been smoking, talk to them without seeming judgmental, as this might have the opposite reaction than the one you want. Instead, calmly explain why you are worried about this habit and its potential impact on their lives. For example, if they like music or sports, a hindered lung capacity could come in the way of their goals. If you smoke, set an example and quit, too.

Make an actionable plan. For example, if they've been smoking for a while, it might be hard for them to quit cold turkey, so they should reduce their usage first. Get them nicotine patches and offer them gum or celery sticks when they have a craving to occupy their mouths. 

You should also strive to reverse the effects of smoking as much as possible. Take your teen to a doctor to check their lung health and a dentist for a deep cleaning to help prevent more serious consequences.

To keep your family's mouths healthy, turn to the dentists at Augusto S. Fojas, DDS, in Westerville, OH. Founded in 2002, this practice provides preventative and restorative oral services, using advanced techniques and technology. To learn more about their capabilities, visit the website. Call (614) 882-0275 to schedule an appointment.