#WorldNoTobaccoDay: Doctors raise awareness about the perils of smoking
What's the story
Smokers are at a risk of losing their teeth almost twice as fast as non-smokers, dental experts have cautioned while underlining that smoking is an impediment to effective treatment of gum disease. On World No Tobacco Day today, the medical fraternity is raising awareness about the perils of smoking and consumption of tobacco in other forms, such as beedi and cigars. Here's more.
Gum disease
50% of the smokers suffer from gum disease
Dr. Ajay Sharma, Secretary General, Academy of Oral Implantology (AOI) said that almost "half the population that smokes suffers from gum (periodontal) disease". AOI is an academy of dental professionals involved in research and education of oral implantology to improve dental health. Smoking poses a higher risk of mouth pain, cavities, and gum recession (which can lead to tooth loss), he added.
Head/Neck cancer
Tobacco consumption increases the risk of head and neck cancer
Experts at Max Hospital Group also cautioned about tobacco consumption, saying, tobacco use is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer, with 85% of such cancers linked to tobacco use. "Over 200,000 cases of head and neck cancers occur each year in India. Nearly 80,000 oral cancers are diagnosed every year in the country," states the data shared by the hospital.
Mouth cancer
Frequent alcohol consumption raises the risk of developing mouth cancer
The frequent consumption of alcohol raises the risk of developing mouth cancer. A combination of heavy smoking and alcohol consumption can together raise the risk even further, experts said. Besides, nearly "two-thirds of oral cancers" are located in the "buccogingival sulcus", where the betel quid (khaini) is kept for long periods in the oral cavity, the experts added.
Case study
41-year-old suffers from tumor involving anterior 2/3rd of oral tongue
Max Hospital also shared a case study of a 41 year-old-man, who had been smoking over 15 years. He also consumes alcohol occasionally. The MRI of the patient, who had come with complaints of difficulty in speaking/swallowing, revealed tumor involving anterior 2/3rd of oral tongue, the hospital said, adding his anterior was removed along with part of mandible (lower jaw) including all lower teeth.