Pharmacologic management of patients using smoking cessation aids

There is currently no "magic bullet" available for individuals interested in smoking cessation. There are, however, many techniques that may help these individuals, some involving drug therapy. Research has shown that the habitual use of cigarettes and other tobacco products poses a serious health threat to millions of Americans. Because smoked and smokeless tobacco use produces many changes to the oral cavity and nasopharynx, dentists are in a unique position to observe changes and point out these changes to their patients. Patients who smoke should be given information about malignant, precancerous, and nonmalignant changes in the oral and perioral areas. This proactive activity can be helpful to encourage patients to terminate their smoking addiction.