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Practicing dentist and smokeless tobacco.
J A Burleson1, S S Kegeles, J Miozza
1University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington.
Compendium (Newtown, Pa.)
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Smokeless tobacco use, including oral snuff and chewing tobacco, has increased among youth. Dentists can play a key role in reducing this concerning trend and its health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Tobacco Control
Background:
- Smokeless tobacco use, encompassing oral snuff and chewing tobacco, has seen a notable rise among children and adolescents over the past decade.
- Sales of these products have surged, with an estimated 15 million individuals in the United States currently using them.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the prevalence and distribution of smokeless tobacco consumption in young populations.
- To outline the adverse health consequences associated with smokeless tobacco use.
- To establish the role of dentists in mitigating smokeless tobacco usage among patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of epidemiological data on smokeless tobacco trends.
- Compilation of research on the health effects of oral snuff and chewing tobacco.
- Examination of dental professional's potential interventions and educational strategies.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in smokeless tobacco product sales and usage over the last 10 years.
- Identification of various health risks linked to smokeless tobacco, impacting oral and systemic health.
- Dentists are well-positioned to identify users and provide cessation support.
Conclusions:
- Smokeless tobacco use represents a growing public health concern, particularly among youth.
- Dental professionals are crucial in addressing smokeless tobacco use through education and intervention.
- Targeted strategies within dental practices can help reduce the prevalence and associated harms of smokeless tobacco.