Smoking habits of adolescents and the role of dentists.
Tobacco smoking has a devastating effect on the health and well-being of the public and remains the nation's leading avoidable cause of premature mortality and disability. On an average, each smoker who dies would have lived another 15 years if he/she was a non-smoker. Though adult smoking has decreased markedly, there is an alarming rise in the use of tobacco among adolescents. One unique aspect of dentistry is some of the adverse health effects of tobacco uses are clinically apparent in the oral cavity at a relatively early stage of use. More than one-half of the adult population and nearly three-quarters of the student population see a dentist each year, and yet 80% of dentists do not routinely ask about tobacco use and advise tobacco users to quit. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and the urge to continue smoking is powerful. As doctors our motto in advising patients should be, "If you smoke, quit. If you don't, then don't try it." The second part of the message is especially important for adolescents, since most adult smokers started their habit as adolescents. The authors have highlighted the harmful effects of smoking and the role dentists have to impart as responsible citizens in educating their patients, especially in the younger generation to help them lead a healthier and more meaningful tomorrow.
Garg
Rajeev Kr
RK
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India. dr_gargrazz.co.in
Tandon
Sandeep
S