Now that we’ve established that hookahs are not healthy, let’s discuss what effect they can have on your oral health.
Hookah smoking is associated with gum disease, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and dry sockets.
The oral health problems caused by hookah smoking are not dissimilar from smoking cigarettes—for instance, slow healing after a tooth extraction, bad breath, and staining of the teeth.
Additionally, hookah smoking can affect your overall health. According to the American Thoracic Society, it can cause the following problems:
- Increased risk for lung and stomach cancer
- Reduced lung function
- Decreased fertility for both men and women
- Increased risk of stroke and heart disease
- Increased risk of transmitting tuberculosis or herpes due to sharing the mouthpiece of the hookah
If you’re worried about the oral or overall health effects of smoking hookah, the best thing to do is quit...or better yet, don't start smoking if you haven't already! Your doctor or dentist can be a great resource here. They can help you find the tools you need to quit or to answer questions about the health risks associated with hookah smoking.