How Smoking Affects More Than Just Your Lungs

Smoking is most often associated with lung damage—but its effects don’t stop there. Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, many of which harm nearly every organ in the body. From your heart to your teeth, immune system, and even reproductive health, smoking poses widespread health risks that extend far beyond the lungs.

1. Smoking and Cancer Risk

Most people know smoking causes lung cancer—but it also increases your risk of developing many other types of cancer. These include:

• Mouth and throat cancer
• Kidney and bladder cancer
• Liver and pancreatic cancer
• Stomach and esophageal cancer

Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can mutate DNA in virtually any part of the body. There is no safe way to smoke—each cigarette contributes to a cumulative risk.

2. Impact on the Heart and Blood Vessels

Smoking significantly raises your risk of cardiovascular disease. Inhaling smoke allows toxic chemicals to enter the bloodstream, damaging the inner lining of arteries and reducing oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke

Even secondhand smoke exposure can raise the risk of heart disease in nonsmokers.

3. Oral Health and Tooth Damage

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of gum disease and tooth loss. Smokers may experience:

• Bad breath and tooth discoloration
• Gum recession and bleeding
• Tooth decay and eventual loss
• Increased risk of oral cancers

Smoking reduces saliva production, creating an environment where bacteria thrive and dental issues escalate quickly.

4. Reproductive Health Effects

Smoking can make it harder to conceive and carry a pregnancy. In men, it can lead to:

• Reduced sperm count and motility
• Erectile dysfunction

In women, smoking can:

• Damage egg quality
• Cause early menopause
• Increase the risk of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy

5. Weakened Immune System

Tobacco smoke compromises the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections like the flu or COVID-19. Smokers are more prone to:

• Frequent respiratory infections
• Slower wound healing
• Chronic inflammation

A weakened immune system also increases the risk of autoimmune disorders and cancer.

Ready to Quit Smoking? BASS Medical Group Can Help

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your long-term health—but it’s not easy to do alone. At BASS Medical Group, we support your wellness journey with personalized care and professional guidance.

Need help quitting?
Visit bassmedicalgroup.com or schedule a consultation with one of our primary care providers today. Let us help you protect your lungs, heart, and overall health—one step at a time.