Tobacco remains one of the most important preventable
causes of addiction, sickness and mortality in the world. The development of
potentially malignant oral lesions as well as various other undesirable
conditions is the direct result of tobacco use, yet, on the whole, knowledge of
these implications amongst the general public is very limited.
This is a worrying situation that requires urgent attention given that the mortality rates associated with oral cancers are high and that the main causes of
them are directly attributed to lifestyle habits such as smoking, betel quid
chewing and excessive alcohol consumption.
With early diagnosis, cancer treatment is
straightforward, survival rates high and many of the associated side-effects,s
such as severe gingivitis, are non-permanent and improve over time. The habit
of smoking and chewing of tobacco
products has a number of well documented side-effects on the oral
cavity. These cover a range of
implications from those that alter a person’s appearance to others that are
potentially fatal.
Tobacco use is a global healthcare problem. Repetitive
exposure to nicotine produces neuroadaptation resulting in nicotine dependence.
Smoking is associated with a range of diseases, causing high levels of
morbidity and mortality and is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. With more than 4.6
million smokers worldwide dying each year from smoking related illnesses
stopping smoking has major health benefits. Quitting at any age provides both
short and long term benefits.
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