Tobacco Use and Oral Health.

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Tobacco use is a major risk factor for various oral health issues.
• Oral mucosa is susceptible to benign, potentially malignant, and malignant tumors upon tobacco exposure.
• Tobacco-related oral conditions pose a significant health and financial burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the significant oral health implications associated with tobacco consumption.
• To highlight the role of dental practitioners in managing and preventing tobacco-related oral diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on tobacco use and oral health.
• Analysis of the impact of tobacco on oral mucosa and dental health.
• Examination of treatment and prognosis factors for oral cancers.

Main Results:

• Tobacco use can lead to oral tumors, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with advanced stages having a poor prognosis (20% 5-year survival rate).
• Increased risk of periodontitis, peri-implantitis, caries, alveolar osteitis, and halitosis are associated with tobacco use.
• Dental practitioners are well-positioned for early detection and intervention for these conditions.

Conclusions:

• Tobacco cessation interventions by dental professionals are crucial for improving oral health outcomes.
• Early detection and management are key to improving prognosis for tobacco-related oral cancers and diseases.
• Addressing tobacco use is essential for reducing the societal and individual burden of oral diseases.