Dentists call for greater awareness on the risk of chewing tobacco on World No Tobacco Day
On World No Tobacco Day the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is calling for the public to think beyond traditional forms of smoking tobacco.
Whilst the health effects of smoking tobacco are well documented, what is less well understood by Australians is the impact of paste and chewing forms of tobacco on their oral and general health.
“All of these other forms of tobacco contain toxins, cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) and nicotine which is the addictive substance of tobacco”, said ADA Oral Health Promotor, Dr Janani Ravichandran, “and they are particularly hazardous for the mouth as they are held between the cheek, gums and lips and cause many abnormal changes to the tissue within the mouth”.
“Chewing tobacco is commonly used in Asian countries and in Central Australian communities and it does not take long for the negative side effects of chewing tobacco to start’ added Dr Ravichandran. “Nicotine travels directly into the bloodstream and the addictive nature starts straight away.
“The short-term side effects in the mouth are bad breath, gum disease, staining of the teeth and inner surfaces of the mouth, mouth ulcers, pain and eventually tooth loss. It has also been shown to increase the risk of pre-term birth and still birth”.
“Over time the sense of taste and smell reduces but the main long-term consequence is cancer”.
The ADA believes that more education is required so that Australians are better informed about the risk of using these products and that government campaigns and QUIT programs should be broadened to include all forms of tobacco.
“The best method for quitting will vary, there is no one size fits all approach. Dentists are well placed to identify the changes occurring in the mouth early and support individuals to quit”.
The ADA’s oral health information website provides a range of advice on how to keep the mouth and teeth healthy for consumers. Visit www.teeth.org.au for more information.
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Key Facts:
Chewing tobacco has 28 known cancer causing agents.
Tobacco is the leading cause of 44% of all cancers in Australia.
Oral cancers ranks 8th amongst all cancers world-wide.
About us:
The Australian Dental Association is the peak body representing dentisty in Australia.
Contact details:
Eithne Irving 0419550186
