Pledge to be Tobacco Free Published May 2, 2013 By SrA Erich Langdon 36th Medical Operations Squadron ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- If you've been struggling with a new year's resolution to quit smoking, try speaking with your 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, which can include oral cancer, periodontal (gum) disease, delayed healing after tooth extraction, or surgery fewer options for various kinds of dental care (such as dental implants), bad breath, discolored teeth and tongue and smell. Tobacco users have even more incentive to kick the habit. According to the American Dental Association, smoking may be accountable for almost 75 percent of periodontal diseases among adults. That's significant because recent studies have suggested that periodontal disease is linked to conditions like heart disease. Tobacco products damage gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue. Even cigar smokers who do not inhale cigar smoke are still at risk for oral and throat cancers. Also, 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. Smokeless tobacco is notorious to cause cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue and pancreas. Users also may be 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 tobacco can infuriate your gum tissue, causing periodontal disease, and sugar is often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, increasing the risk for tooth decay. Smokeless tobacco also typically contains grit, which can wear down your 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 your 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 D's (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 inhalation and exhalation is relaxing). -Anticipate problems and have a realistic plan to deal with challenges