#WorldNoTobaccoDay
Every year, more than 8 million people globally die from tobacco, and it continues to be a major risk factor for dental diseases - some of the most common health problems affecting Australians.
I still remember the first patient I saw with oral cancer (something that I have written about previously) and that moment stays with me constantly. It is a confronting and difficult discussion to have with a patient, particularly when the diagnosis is delayed and the prognosis is poor. Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting Australians, and tobacco is a significant risk factor. That is why tackling the scourge of cigarette smoking is still so critical.
Cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for periodontal (gum) disease, with heavy smokers at much greater risk than non-smokers or moderate smokers. Periodontal disease is not a trivial disease, affecting more than 50% of Australians aged 65+ years. It is a major cause of tooth loss, with 8% of people aged 55-74 years having no natural teeth and 22% having an inadequate dentition. Tooth loss then impacts on the ability to eat and enjoy food, and as a consequence nutrition and general health are compromised. Tooth loss also affects appearance, self-esteem, social interaction and participation.
Cigarette smoking has other oral health impacts, primarily by reducing blood supply and impairing wound healing (one of the reasons that it contributes to periodontal disease). This makes it harder for patients to properly recover from routine dental treatment such as tooth extraction or dental implant placement.
Quitting smoking can be one of the most important health decisions you can make.
If you are a smoker, speak to your dentist, doctor or pharmacist and ask for advice on how to quit. Or visit Quit for more information and support.
Previous issues: If you are new to Dental as Anything, you can go back and read some of the previous popular issues, including my thoughts on Workplace Wellbeing, Indigenous Voice To Parliament, Poor Oral Health In Aged Care, Federal Budget A Kick In The Teeth and Dentistry and COVID-19: How Risky Is It?