Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease (Perio.org). So, CVS recent announcement that it no longer going to sell tobacco product, from a Periodontist prospective, probably is one of the best pieces of news coming from a giant retailer focused in public health care. It has always been a mystery to me that a pharmacy store which is supposed to help people stay healthy makes a huge profit selling the equivalent of poison.
While I am aware of other negative health consequences of smoking, I am especially concerned about gum and oral complications of tobacco use mainly because I get to see far more cases of serious and complicated periodontal diseases and oral cancers in smokers than non-smokers. Studies have proved times and times again that smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Smokers tend to collect more tartar on their teeth. They often develop deeper periodontal pockets once they have gum disease. They also are likely to lose more bone as the disease gets worse. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.
Unlike many other factors that affect the health of your gums, the decision to smoke or not is under your control. Quitting smoking can play a major role in bringing periodontal disease under control. Now, making cigarettes less accessible not only sends an important message, but it is a great step for those trying to kick the bad habit. This is one of those smart business decisions that we should get behind as consumers and show our support for a company that wants to do well by doing good.
