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Ask a dentist about tobacco cessation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erich Langdon
  • 36th Medical Operations Squadron
Anyone who has been struggling with a new year's resolution to quit smoking should try speaking with a dentist.

Dentists are in an exceptional position to advise patients about tobacco use and offer advice and support. Tobacco's effects often appear first in the mouth and throat. These include oral cancer, periodontal (gum) disease, delayed healing after tooth extraction, or surgery. It can also create fewer options for various kinds of dental care (such as dental implants), bad breath, and discolored teeth and tongue.

According to the American Dental Association, smoking may be accountable for almost 75 percent of periodontal diseases among adults and recent studies have suggested the diseases are linked to conditions like heart conditions. Tobacco products damage gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue. Even cigar smokers, who do not inhale smoke, are still at risk for oral and throat cancers.

Smokeless tobacco and cigars are not safe alternatives to cigarettes, according to the ADA. At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products and are notorious for causing cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue and pancreas. Users are also at risk for cancer of the voice box, esophagus, colon and bladder because they swallow some of the toxins in the juice created by using smokeless tobacco.

Smokeless products can also infuriate a user's gum tissue, causing periodontal disease, and sugar used to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco increases the risk for tooth decay. The products also typically contain grit, which can wear down teeth.

There are several ways to quit smoking. If you're struggling to quit, you might not have identified the perfect solution yet.

Here are some tips from the ADA:
- Set a date to quit and stick to it. Choose a "low stress" time to quit
- Enlist the support of your family, friends and co-workers
- Ask a dentist or physician about nicotine replacement therapy for use in cessation attempts. Using these medicines can double your chances of quitting for good
- Remove tobacco and tobacco paraphernalia from your home, office and car
- Seek tobacco-free environments to curve your temptations
- Exercise. It may make you feel better about yourself and your decision to quit smoking
- When you crave a tobacco - exercise the 4 Ds: Delay - craving will pass in 5-10 minutes; Drink water - it will help to wash the toxins from your body; Do something else - distract yourself by being active; and Deep breathing - deep inhalations and exhalations are relaxing.
- Anticipate problems and have a realistic plan to deal with challenges

For more information about tobacco cessation, make an appointment with the 36th Medical Group Dental Clinic by calling 366-9355, or the 36th MDG Health and Wellness Center at 366-3199.