People are taught from a young age that smoking tobacco can be dangerous. The toxic substances in cigarettes can affect your health in various ways. Thankfully, quitting today can reduce the risk of certain conditions. Review this guide to learn about the consequences of smoking and how addiction services can help you quit.

3 Ways Smoking Affects Your Health

1. Heart Disease

Smoking increases the risk of developing heart disease by two to four times. Smoking thickens blood vessels and narrows them. The heart then struggles to pump blood through the body, leading to high blood pressure.

You can immediately reduce your risk by quitting smoking. Your blood will become thinner over time, reducing the strain on the heart and improving circulation throughout the body. 

2. Lung Disease

Cigarettes can introduce harmful toxins and chemicals to the lungs. Lung disease and respiratory conditions are common among smokers. Carcinogens promote cell mutation and tumor growth, while conditions like emphysema harm air sacs in the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that leads to chronic shortness of breath, coughing, and frequent inflammation.

When you quit smoking, you’ll notice temporary congestion as the lungs heal. Let your health care professional know about your journey so that they can monitor the symptoms and provide additional support for quitting.

3. Diminished Oral Health

The nicotine found in cigarettes stains teeth, resulting in yellow-brown smiles. As a carcinogen, nicotine is also known to cause oral and throat cancer. Quitting smoking can decrease the chance of developing gum disease. 

Addiction services can connect you with dental services and other health care professionals to reverse the oral side effects of smoking while you quit. You'll notice brighter teeth and feel more confident in your smile.

Overcome smoking with the addiction services team at Tug River Health Association. Based in Welch, WV, this health care center offers medication and treatments to help you recover. Their team includes board-certified doctors and licensed nurses who provide an expansive list of services, including dental care. Call (304) 448-2101 to schedule an exam, or connect on Facebook for more health advice. Learn more about the practice online.