Tobacco use has negative effects on all parts of our body, even our mouths. New tobacco and nicotine products have made tobacco use one of the major public health concerns. Nicotine is the main addictive substance in tobacco products and is added to new products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. It enters the body through the skin, lungs, and mucous membranes.
People can use many methods to get their nicotine fix. These methods include: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, chewing tobacco, dry snuff, pouches, and e-cigarettes. Cigarette use is higher among adult users and e-cigarette use is higher among youth users. All nicotine delivery methods have negative side effects on all systems of the human body including oral health. Additionally, tobacco products not only affect the physical well-being of an individual, but can also place big financial burdens on those who use nicotine products and their families.
Tobacco use increases the risk of many oral diseases. Using tobacco products:
- increases the risk of mouth cancer,
- increases the risk of periodontal disease (permanent bone loss around your teeth),
- The salivary gland may not function properly, causing dry mouth,
- increases the likelihood of getting cavities on the roots of the teeth,
- increases grinding and clenching of the teeth
- makes it harder for the mouth to heal after dental work.
Cigarette smoke and vapors from vaping harm almost every part of the body. There’s no such thing as a healthy tobacco product. Studies have shown that smoking encourages the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which causes an increase in plaque and calculus (tartar) buildup when compared to individuals who do not smoke. Individuals who smoke or vape need to see a dentist regularly. The dentist can identify and treat oral health issues early. Home care is essential for individuals who smoke, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleaning. The dentist may have special instructions for individuals who use tobacco products. These instructions need to be carefully followed after all appointments. The dentist providing treatment should always be told if a patient smokes or vapes.
Dental and medical professionals play a vital role in shaping the landscape of tobacco use across Utah. They do this by screening for tobacco use, educating patients about its risks, and preventing its use, especially among young people. The Ask-Advise-Connect method is an effective approach for identifying tobacco use, providing education, and connecting patients to resources for prevention and cessation.
ASK: When asking questions make sure to listen to their answers so you can provide support when they are ready to change their behavior. Make sure not to lecture or criticize. Ask questions that are clear, age-appropriate, understandable, and neutral. Don’t ask more than one question at a time and try to include a time frame in your questions. Be aware of the names used for e-cigarettes such as vapes, mods, juuls, or puff bars. The answers to these questions will help you determine what to advise on and who to connect them to for follow-up care.
ADVISE: Whether a patient uses tobacco products or not, you can take the opportunity to educate them on the negative effects of tobacco use. In a clear, strong, and personalized manner, explain the importance of never using tobacco products or the importance of quitting tobacco if they are using it. Healthcare providers need to stay up-to-date on the latest research on the general and oral health effects of tobacco use. This knowledge can be used to talk to patients about quitting their tobacco use.
CONNECT: Every interaction with a patient who uses tobacco should be a chance to share tobacco cessation resources with them. Utah Tobacco and Nicotine Quit Services, offered through the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, can help your patients of all ages quit tobacco. A referral to these resources is the best way you can help your patients. Make sure to ask for permission to refer them, then go to waytoquit.org for adults and mylifemyquit.org for youth ages 13-17 to get them the help they need.
Utah Tobacco and Nicotine Quit Services offers no-cost, proven cessation strategies to all tobacco users. These strategies include phone calls, text messages, web messages, and counseling. A quit coach will work with the patient to create a strategy that suits their lifestyle best. The plan can include a personalized quit plan, a progress tracker, quit tips, and, if eligible, nicotine replacement therapy. Patients will also receive educational materials based on their specific needs. Pregnant individuals, American Indians, and people with behavioral health conditions may receive additional services.
Quitting tobacco use is the best way to protect the health of your patient and prevent the development of these mouth problems. As a healthcare provider, talking to your patient about quitting tobacco use is important for their oral health and overall health. To refer your patient to Way to Quit go to: https://utah.quitlogix.org/en-us/health-professionals/make-a-referral/ or fax a referral form to 1-800-483-3076. You can download the fax referral form at: https://waytoquit.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Utah_Provider_Fax_Referral-FY22.pdf. To learn more about Utah’s tobacco quit line and to refer a patient to the quit line, go to: https://waytoquit.org/.
Resources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9875717
https://bluffsidesmiles.com/effects-of-tobacco-on-oral-health