Smoking cessation and the role of the dental practitioner

As dentists we are uniquely positioned to influence the rate of tobacco smoking and could contribute to a decrease in the associated mortality and morbidity. The detrimental effects of smoking on oral health are well established; thus, a structured approach to initiate smoking cessation, help to manage the initial phase of withdrawal symptoms, and provide long-term support is an important role for our profession. It has been shown that smoking cessation advice for even a few minutes increases long-term smoking abstinence rates by 5%, which can be increased by 50-70% with the use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy, e.g., nicotine replacement therapy, for withdrawal symptoms. This article aims to give a brief overview of smoking in relation to oral health, review the management of tobacco smoking dependence, and discuss how we as dentists can help our patients to quit smoking.