Effects of smoking
Smoking has a very big effect on your general health and damages your heart, lungs, brain and many more parts of the body, not only does it have an effect on your general health it also has an effect on your oral health and can contribute towards problems such as gum and periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss. More importantly smoking increases the risk of cancer not only in your lungs but your lips, mouth and throat. More than 93% of throat cancers are caused by smoking. If you quit smoking the chances of developing cancer decreases even if you have been a heavy smoker for 20 years.
Effects of alcohol
Like smoking alcohol has many effects on your health if abused. Drinking within the recommended alcohol unit guidelines which is no more than 14 units per week for both men and women can help keep health risks low it is recommended that you spread the units over the week rather than binge drinking at the weekend. Alcohol can also have an effect your teeth as many alcoholic drinks contain sugars which contributes towards tooth decay.
Smoking and alcohol combined
A lot of people only choose to smoke when they drink which is called social smoking, because they are only smoking in moderation they think the risks are lower when in fact they are higher than ever. When smoking and alcohol are combined the risks of developing oral cancer are multiplied.