[Smoking and diseases of the oral cavity]

The paper gives a review on the etiology of oral cancer, discusses some of the mechanisms by which tobacco may bring about changes in oral tissues, and describe ways in which the dentist can help with the problem of tobacco use. Risk of developing oral cancer increases with the amount and length of cigarette-smoking and alcohol consumption. Hungry is ranked with the highest cigarette-consumption as third among 111 countries world-wide. Investigations of the authors on the pathogenesis of leukoplakia by tobacco, demonstrated increased tissue levels of inflammatory mediators, and stimulated keratinocyte proliferation. Finally, the dentist has an important role to play in society as an advocate for reducing tobacco use.