ADA Accessibility Information
Accessibility

A
A

A
Providing you and your family with the highest level of dental care

Is Chewing Tobacco Safer than Smoking for Your Oral Health?


Posted on 8/23/2021 by Thomas Mahar
Is Chewing Tobacco Safer than Smoking for Your Oral Health?Some people who chew tobacco believe that chewing tobacco is safer than smoking. However, both habits can lead to some real dental concerns and problems.

How Chewing Tobacco Damages the Gums and Teeth


Both smoking and tobacco chewing can lead to some real health issues, as the habits can stain the teeth, lead to dry mouth, and cause infection and decay. Whether you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to find ways to refrain from the habit. The longer you chew tobacco or smoke, the more problems will develop with your gum and teeth.

How Chewing Tobacco Damages the Teeth


Besides staining the teeth, chewing smokeless tobacco, also called dip, is public enemy #1 when it comes to tooth and gum care. Often, makers of smokeless tobacco add sugar to enhance the flavor – a practice that leads to decay and the development of cavities.

A Pinch of Tobacco Can Lead to a Whole Lot of Dental Woes


Holding a small pinch of chewing tobacco in the gums can lead to gingival irritation and bone loss. When this happens, the gums can pull away from the teeth, leading to tooth mobility and tooth loss. In addition, when gums recede, you will experience more tooth sensitivity as the roots and nerves of the teeth become exposed. The gum tissue will not grow back. You can only treat the problem with a scaling and root planing (SRP) or with a procedure, such as a gum graft.

Developing Mouth and Throat Cancer


Chewing smokeless tobacco can also lead to the development of mouth cancer or increase your risk for other cancers, such as laryngeal or pharynx cancer. Therefore, smoking or chewing tobacco are both habits you need to avoid. One is not less dangerous than the other.

If you currently chew tobacco, you need to get help to quit. You also need to have your teeth professionally cleaned more frequently. Give us a call today if you have not scheduled a professional cleaning and exam lately. We can always accommodate your schedule and your dental needs.
image of art2 cta1

Dental Implants

One of the most comprehensive ways of repairing gaps in your teeth is with dental implants. Implants are an ideal solution if you are missing a single tooth or all of your teeth
Learn More
image of art2 cta2

Family Dentistry

At Mahar Dental, our priority is helping you and your family be proactive about your dental hygiene. With our expert team you can be sure that you’ll get the best cleanings, exams, and other care available.Learn More
image of art2 cta3

Invisible Aligners

If you are trying to figure out a way to get straighter teeth but do not like the idea of traditional braces, then you may want to give Mahar Dental a call and let us help you with invisible aligners.Learn More

Dr. Mahar
Thomas F. Mahar, DDS
Dr. Mahar maintains a commitment to excellence in dentistry. He believes that each patient should receive the highest level of dental care and customer service.

Dr. Mahar has received advanced training in several areas of dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetic dentistry.

Read More about Dr. Mahar

What our patients are saying about us!



01
Absolutely the best!
"This office is absolutely the best! Everyone on the staff, from the front desk to the hygienists, has been most welcoming, friendly and warm! Dr. Mahar is very professional, proficient, and does amazing work! We feel very lucky to have found Dr Mahar as our family’s dentist!" ~ Erin

02
Highly recommended
"This office is great ! Everyone at the office is wonderful. When my entire family goes for their visits we are always treated extremely well. A top notch experience all the way around. Highly recommended." ~ Matthew

03
The best dentist around
"Dr Mahar is a wonderful dentist. He is kind, caring and compassionate. He has been my dentist for over 25 years and I would never go anywhere else. His staff is amazing..Molly has been my hygienist for years, she is very competent and professional and also takes a personal interest in each patient. Suzanne is great! She knows everyone by their first name and always makes me feel very comfortable with her sense of humor and friendliness. Dr Mahar is absolutely the best dentist around! My family is also very pleased and proud to call Dr Mahar their dentist as well." ~ Karen

READ AND WRITE REVIEWS


Smiling mother and daughter


Copyright © 2014-2025 Mahar Dental and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
Cosmetic Dentist North Syracuse | Mahar Dental
Mahar Dental Specializes In the Latest In Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry & Clear Aligners In North Syracuse. We are Committed to Offering Comprehensive Dental Care
Mahar Dental, 135 Sand Rd, North Syracuse, NY 13212 ^ (315) 766-2770 ^ mahardental.com ^ 7/14/2025 ^ Page Keywords: dentist, dentist north syracuse ny, Thomas F Mahar DDS