Impact of smoking on oral health
Tobacco is used in both smoke and smokeless form have negative impact on oral health.
Smoking and smokeless tobacco have been associated with toothloss , caries, periodontal disease , oral soft tissue changes , dental implant failure , peri implant disease and cancer.
Cessation may reduces , but not completely eliminate the patients lifetime risk for disease.
Dr. Gunita Singh working for last 20 years educating patients regarding effects of tobacco consumption.
Tobacco cessation program was also initiated by Dentem Dental Clinic team from last 6 years.
Caries Risk
Smoking has been correlated with increased caries risk . It may be greater with smokeless tobacco , related to the prolonged exposure to sugar
Smoking and Periodontitis
Smokers have increased periodontal problems than non smokers. Smoking is additional factor for tooth loss.
Smoking can also cause or worsen gum disease and increase your risk of mouth cancer.
Nicotine in cigarette smoke reduces blood flow to your mouth and gums , ulcers that heal slowly.
Smoking and cancer
Smoking is one of the main cause of cancer
Any lump, discolored patch, ulcers or sore throat on the mouth , lip , tongue that doesn’t heal must be checked by a dentist.
Quitting Smoking, brushing, flossing your teeth regularly and having regular dental checkups help you to back healthy mouth.
Your gums will become healthier, food will smell and taste better your breath will improve and tooth loss may be reduced and have less chances of oral cancer.
Approaches for effective tobacco control
Tobacco control involves a range of supply, demand harm reduction strategies that aim to improve the health of patients.
- Banning tobacco advertising , promotions and sponsorship because they increase demand , especially among young people
- Raising taxes and prices because they effect the consumption rate.
- Moving towards smoke free places because of the impact on nonsmokers and children who face increased risk of oral cancer
- Running a mass communication campaign to take away any belief that smoking is glamorous or desirable.
- Developing smoking cessation in health care . Tobacco dependency is treatable with support and medicine such as nicotine replacement therapy.
- Reducing harm to those that continue tobacco or nicotine use. The first aim should be to stop tobacco altogether
- In our country health professionals are actively engaged in tobacco control. The goal of the plan is to get members involved in a full range of tobacco cessation training
- .Questions should be asked about self use of tobacco the extent to provide tobacco counselling and cessation treatment and interventions.
How to Quit.
To improve your chance of quitting smoking for good , it is good idea to plan ahead.
- Get support- quitlines trained counsellors are available.
- Talk to your health professionals- Discuss quitting smoking with dentist , general practioner and plan your quit strategy together.
- Consider using pharmacotherapy- Different products are available to help you quit smoking. Nicotine therapy includes patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers and mouth spray.
4. NRT products replaces some of the nicotine form cigarettes without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke , thus reducing withdrawal sy
