We’ve all heard that tobacco products, especially cigarettes are bad for our health, but here are some things related to tobacco you may not know.

  • Worldwide, death due to tobacco use claims 500,000 women per year and that number is expected to double by year 2020.
  • North Carolina is ranked 12th for deaths due to lung cancer in both sexes according to the CDC statistics for 2006.
  • In middle school aged children, 1 out of 8 has tried some form of tobacco product.
  • The average age for first time smokeless tobacco use is 10.
  • Young females may experiment with smokeless tobacco as a means to lose/control weight.
  • Smoking can damage a women’s reproductive health resulting in infertility and early menopause.
  • The nicotine amount in a can of smokeless tobacco is equivalent to approximately 60 cigarettes.
  • Some types of “premium” cigars, one cigar can have the tobacco equivalent of 1 pack of cigarettes.
  • Children exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher incidence of cavities.
  • Besides oral cancer and precancerous lesions(leukoplakia) oral problems from smokeless tobacco include yellow/stained teeth, chronic bad breath, gum recession, loss of the jaw bone, tooth loss, tooth abrasion, tooth decay, gum disease and an altered or decreased sense of taste and smell.
  • Tobacco use drains the economy of more than 193 billion dollars in health care costs and lost productivity at work according to the CDC.
  • Nicotine is for most people more addictive than alcohol. And it is thought to be as addictive as heroin and cocaine.
  • Tobacco is responsible for 1 out of 5 deaths according to the CDC.
  • On average a one pack per day smoker spends $1638 a year on cigarettes. There are also additional costs related to mints, gum and breath freshening products. Whitening products are highly sought after by smokers.
  • Health, life and homeowners insurance rates are higher for tobacco users.
  • Smoking can age your face by dulling and wrinkling your skin.
  • Research shows cigarette smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis.
  • The co-use of tobacco and alcohol greatly increases your risk for oral cancers.
  • Smoking increases risk for Crohn’s disease.
  • Tobacco “orbs” which are dissolvable tobacco products (that can have a candy-like appearance) can put young children at risk for “nicotine poisoning”.
  • Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco but do have nicotine solutions in them. They are not considered as smoking cessation devices. Their health risks are unknown at this time.
  • One pack per day equals to 7,300 cigarettes a year.
  • Secondhand smoke could possibly harm your pet’s health too.
  • Taking the $1638 figure above- if a smoker stops at age 40 and invested that money making 9% interest at age 70 they could accumulate a nest egg of about $250,00.

So does any of that make you think? The smoking habit can be successfully kicked!

Don’t let cancer literally wipe the smile off your face. You have a responsibility to your smile and health.
And don’t forget to give others your best smile ever.