### Health Risks of Smoking Pipes and Cigars Smoking pipes and cigars is often perceived as less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but this is a misconception. Both pipes and cigars carry significant health risks, similar to those of cigarettes. #### Cancer Even if you don't inhale, smoking pipes and cigars can still cause cancer. Regular cigar smokers are 4 to 10 times more likely to die from cancers of the mouth, larynx, and esophagus compared to nonsmokers. Oral cancer can develop anywhere the smoke touches, including the lips, mouth, throat, and tongue. Inhaling increases the risk for cancers of the lung, pancreas, and bladder. #### Lung Disease Smoking cigars and pipes doubles the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It can also worsen asthma. #### Heart Disease Smoking cigars or pipes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cigar smoke contains many of the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarette smoke. People who smoke four or more cigars per day are exposed to an amount of smoke equivalent to 10 cigarettes. #### Tooth Problems Smoking pipes or cigars can lead to gum disease, stained teeth, bad breath, and tooth loss. Studies have shown that pipe and cigar smokers have an average of four missing teeth. #### Erectile Dysfunction Smokers are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction compared to nonsmokers. #### Secondhand Smoke Cigars and pipes also emit secondhand smoke filled with toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. This secondhand smoke is harmful to those around the smoker. #### Water Pipes Despite their sweet aroma, water pipes (hookahs) are also dangerous. During a typical hookah session, you inhale 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke compared to a cigarette. Water pipes deliver at least as much nicotine and toxins as cigarettes, putting users at similar risk for cancer and other diseases. ### Conclusion The best advice for pipe and cigar smokers is the same as for cigarette smokers: Quit. If you need help, consult your doctor or a smoking cessation service. Regular checkups, including mouth exams, are also important to look for signs of oral cancer.