The American Cancer Society says most smokers begin as teens due to peer pressure or curiosity. Unfortunately, the younger a person starts, the more likely he is to become addicted. Because the chemicals and poisons found in cigarettes can be extremely harmful over time, it's important to understand the cons of smoking.
It's Addictive
The TeensHealth website says the nicotine found in cigarettes is extremely addictive. As with other addictive medications, the mind and body become so adapted to nicotine that it is needed to function normally.
Buerger's Disease
Smoking causes blood clots and inflammation of blood vessels. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, this can lead to a dangerous medical condition called Buerger's disease. This illness causes blood vessels to narrow, cutting off blood flow to the extremities. Similar to gangrene, it often leads to amputation of the fingers and toes. Buerger's disease is only caused by smoking; there is no other known cause. The only way to cease progression of this disease is to discontinue use of all tobacco products.
Bad Skin
Smoking constricts the blood vessels, preventing nutrients and oxygen from entering the skin. As a result, skin can appear unhealthy and pale. In addition, smokers have a higher risk of developing irritating skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Teeth Problems
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says exposure to secondhand smoke doubles a child's risk for dental cavities. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that children exposed to secondhand smoke experience higher amounts of tooth decay than those not subjected to smoke. Nicotine encourages the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. This bacteria can even be passed when a mother who smokes kisses her child. In addition, secondhand smoke increases the levels of cotinine, a nicotine byproduct , found in a child. The study found that high levels of cotinine can lead to tooth decay.
