Smoking Cessation

From a dental health perspective we see an increased incidence of pathologies due to smoking. Seventy five percent of oral and throat cancers are attributed to the use of smoked and smokeless tobacco. In addition, tobacco is related to stain, halitosis, dental decay, periodontal disease, and lesions of the mouth and lips.

We have become even more committed to acting as a supportive role for our patients wishing to quit smoking and using smokeless tobacco. As a dental office we endeavor to scan and examine the oral soft tissues for signs of change related to tobacco use. When we become aware that a person uses tobacco and if there is a willingness to quit we would like to be of assistance in an appropriate way. There are many products, resources and programs available.

For instance, most tobacco users know that many nicotine replacement therapies are available over the counter. These would be the patches, gums, and lozenges. There are also doctor prescribed nicotine replacement systems such as inhalers. There are also some drugs that are being brought to the market that may have great potential to help people quit.